Telephone Card "The Lords of Hana Matsuri"

Telephone Card
"The Lords of Hana Matsuri"

The masks of the Evil Sakaki Oni of Hana Matsuri can be purchased in four different sets of telephone card.

Each set includes three telephone cards,
Price : 2,400 Yen

Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Click thumbnails to enlarge

Each telephone card has an exact replica photograph of these Evil Oni masks. Each set consists of three telephone cards and contains a sheet that explains the story of the Hana Matsuri.

Inquiry

Toei town hall - Planning Section.
Telephone : (81) 536-76-0502
E-mail : kikaku@town.toei.aichi.jp

Purchase

You can purchase these telephone cards at local shops and stores in Toei.

Comment on each volume

Set 1
Since the 14th century, the people of Oku-Mikawa area (the northeast part of Aichi prefecture) have been praising and praying to their gods. The Hana Matsuri was formed as an expression of this pristine religion. Toei is the birthplace of the religious mind with over 700 years of historical tradition.

During the climax of the Hana Matsuri, the Oni, which is the reincarnation of a god, appears in front of the audience. The Oni has a holy spirit which suits minds of the people. Weare often overwhelmed with deep feelings of praise when we gaze into the eyes of the Oni.

Set 2
The Hana Matsuri was introduced from the Kumano area (the southwest part of Mie prefecture) to Toei town by the ascetics.

They chose this area as their place of training and they underwent serious training exercises. These included meditation under waterfalls and going on pilgrimages through deep forests.

The village people must have felt fear and reverence when they saw the ascetics' training. The exchange of religious ideas among the village people and the ascetics might have created the traditions of the Hana Matsuri. The village people are reminded of the gods from the ascetics' images.

Set 3
The Hana Matsuri is a folkloric festival that invites eight million gods. The people perform various kinds of dances in hope that their wishes will become a reality. The people believe the spirits of the gods will embed themselves onto the lid of the big pot which sways with steam. The pot and the five coloured wooden plates are displayed on the altar. The village people serve the gods offerings of holy sake, chestnuts, and some other foods.

The gods will answer your wishes and will appear before the people as the Sakaki Oni and Yamami Oni. The Onis' figures are full of dignity and they perform their mysterious powers with the dance motions and Henbai movements in response to the people's reactions. This is the essence of the gods and people.

Set 4
When the festival reaches the climax, the people feel the spirits of the gods. The Oni appears in a composed state. The figures remind us of the reincarnation of the gods that purify evil spirits and misfortunes as well as bringing us good fortunes.

Our ancestors have been admiring the gods for 700 years. The mysterious power of the gods must come from this earnest belief.

2003/10/01 Update