Tori-no-Ichi at Kasai Shrine: the story behind the lucky rakes and the sound of te-jime clapping

The story behind the lucky rakes and the history of the shrine

Tori-no-Ichi, also known as O-torisama, is a festival held each November on the Day of the Rooster. According to the story passed down at Kasai Shrine, November’s Day of the Rooster was when Yamato Takeru hung a rake on a pine tree in front of the shrine to celebrate his victory during a campaign in the east. Knowing the story linking the rake with the festival can add a sense of local history to the lively atmosphere on the day.

The festival is known for the rhythmic te-jime clapping and spirited calls heard throughout the grounds. As you listen to these sounds, which capture the atmosphere of Tori-no-Ichi, you can also reflect on the festival’s origins and its other name, O-torisama.

Kasai Shrine, the festival venue, is said to have been founded in 1185, toward the end of the Heian period. According to tradition, the local lord Kasai Saburo Kiyoshige was a devout worshipper and brought a divided spirit from Katori Jingu in Shimosa Province to establish the shrine. It has since been revered as the guardian shrine for the 33 villages of Kamikasai and Shimokasai. Along with the story behind Tori-no-Ichi, take a moment to discover the history of the shrine where the festival is held.

The listed period is November 7–19. The festival is described as taking place on the Day of the Rooster, but the source does not specify the individual dates, times or activities during this period. The venue is Kasai Shrine, at 6-10-5 Higashi-Kanamachi, Katsushika City, Tokyo. Check the official information for details before deciding when to visit or how to get there.