Every summer in Kyoto, the streets come alive with color, tradition, and a deep sense of reverence — all thanks to the majestic parade of floats during the Gion Festival. At the heart of this grand procession stands Naginata Boko, the float that leads the way, carrying centuries of history, spirituality, and craftsmanship on its towering mast.
What is Naginata Boko?
Naginata Boko — literally “Long-Sword Float” — earns its name from the long naginata (a type of halberd) affixed atop the float’s central pole, or shingi. The original sword is said to have been forged by the legendary 10th-century swordsmith Sanjo Munechika, and folklore speaks of the blade’s mystical power to heal and ward off evil.
But Naginata Boko is much more than an ornate weapon — it’s a symbol. A symbol of protection, purification, and the community’s spiritual commitment to keeping evil and disease at bay.
As the first float in the July 17 procession of the Saki Matsuri, Naginata Boko opens the parade — marking both the physical start of the procession and the spiritual cleansing of the route for all floats and participants to follow.
The Sacred Role of the Chigo — A Child as Messenger
One of the most hauntingly beautiful aspects of Naginata Boko is the presence of a young boy, the Chigo, seated at the front in ceremonial costume and makeup. In earlier times, almost all floats carried a chigo — but today, Naginata Boko is the only float that still does.
Selected from Kyoto’s traditional families, this boy is considered pure and sacred. Historically, he underwent a month-long purification ritual to ready him as a living medium for divine energies.
On the morning of the procession, the chigo begins the event with a powerful ritual: cutting a sacred rope with a real sword — a symbolic act that ushers in the festival’s divine presence and marks the official start of the parade.
Beauty, Craft & Cultural Richness
Naginata Boko is not just spiritually significant — visually, it’s a masterpiece. The float’s body is heavily decorated with exquisite tapestries, ornate metalwork, and wooden carvings. Inside the float’s community space (open to visitors between July 13–16), you can behold art treasures: delicate metal tassel mounts shaped like insects, and handwoven damask kimono textiles — a testament to Kyoto’s historic mastery in fabric art.
Even if you’re not drawn to fine detail, the ambiance of the festival is an experience in itself: the fusion of incense and food-stall aromas, the sound of traditional music, soft lantern light, and the quiet reverence of thousands witnessing a ritual perfected over centuries.
Why Naginata Boko Matters — For Then and Now
The origins of the Gion Festival date back to 869 CE, when Kyoto — then plagued by disease — turned to ritual purification and prayers to ward off vengeful spirits. Over time, that spiritual event transformed into an annual celebration of community, heritage, and blessing.
Naginata Boko stands as a living link between modern Kyoto and those ancient hopes. By leading the parade, carrying the purified chigo, and brandishing the mystical naginata, it symbolically cleanses the city — warding off calamity and inviting peace.
Even today, for locals and visitors alike, seeing Naginata Boko glide down Kyoto’s streets — tall, majestic, shimmering with tradition — offers a profound glimpse into a culture where art, faith, community, and history walk side by side.
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