Among the yamaboko floats of Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri, Fune Boko stands out with a shape that looks like no other: a majestic ship gliding through crowds instead of waves. The name Fune literally means “ship,” and this float recreates the legendary vessel of Empress Jingū, a semi-mythical figure from early Japanese history. She is said to have set out on a divined voyage to the Korean peninsula, and Fune Boko captures the spirit of that daring journey.
On display with the float are statues of Empress Jingū and three deities believed to have protected her on the sea: Ryūjin, the dragon god of the ocean; Kashima Myōjin, a guardian linked to courage and safe travel; and Sumiyoshi Myōjin, another protector of seafarers. This blend of earthly ambition and divine support adds a layer of meaning to the Gion Matsuri Fune Boko beyond its striking form.
Fune Boko’s decorations are exquisite — from the gilded, embroidered dragon tapestry that seems to roar at the prow, to the mother-of-pearl inlaid rudder that glints like moonlight on water. These treasures reflect Kyoto’s long tradition of master craftsmanship and artistic care.
When Fune Boko moves through the streets during the Saki Matsuri Yamaboko Junko parade, it carries more than history — it carries imagination, courage, and the sense of a journey that transcends time. It reminds spectators that the Gion Festival isn’t just a procession of floats; it’s a living storybook of myth, community, and cultural pride.
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