Shikinen Jinkosai Shinbukan 2026

The Shikinen Jinkosai is a major festival of profound spiritual and historical significance, occurring only once every twelve years. For Katori Shinto-ryu it highlights the deep-rooted, centuries-long connection between Katori Shinto-ryu and the Katori Jingu, which is the consecrated home of the warrior deity Futsunushi-no-Mikoto and the birthplace of the tradition. The Katori Shinto-ryu Shinbukan Dojo proudly participated in the Shikinen Jinkosai procession on April 15th and 16th, 2026, bringing together over 300 students from around the world. Their primary role was to form a symbolic protective force for the ritual and its sacred artifacts. This participation is a crucial way to support the Katori Jingu, and uphold the tradition, and the reputation of Shinbukan Dojo, and Shihan Otake Nobutoshi. Participants were divided into two groups—those in traditional gi and hakama and those in full yoroi (armor). They spent two days marching while strictly adhering to protocol. The days began with early morning assembly at the Nakadai Sports Center for dressing, including a challenging one-hour window for the yoroi contingent to gear up. Otake Shihan and four shihandai rode horses in front of the 300 strong group of Shinbukan participants. The procession began with the Departure of the Mikoshi from Katori Jingu and included a mid-day Rite of Enshrinement at a temporary shrine. The event concluded on the afternoon of April 16th with the final ritual at Katori Jingu.