A Mikoshi (Japanese: 神輿/御輿) is a sacred religious palanquin (also translated as portable Shinto shrine). Shinto followers believe that it serves as the vehicle to transport spirits in Japan while moving between the main shrine and temporary shrine during a festival or when moving to a new shrine. It is often carried around the local community to strengthen the bond of its members. Often, the Mikoshi resembles a miniature building, with pillars, walls, a roof, a veranda and a railing. However, despite having its' roots in Shinto religion, it has really become the symbol of the many Japanese Matsuri Festivals. The religious component is undoubtedly still a significant part of its' meaning, but now we see the Mikoshi symbolizing the harmony of community and the bringing together the community. Thus, many communities across North America have acquired a Mikoshi for their local cultural organizations. Currently in Canada, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto have a Mikoshi as part of their cultural associations and they use them regularly at Japanese festivals. Many of the Japanese Festivals that everyone enjoys and wants to participate in, irregardless of his/hers religious of background, have their roots in Shintoism (such as Shichigosan, Oshogatsu). The Mikoshi will sit proudly in the main hall of the centre with the intent to use it at as many festivals as possible including Folklorama, Manifest, or any other Manitoban festivals. It will become part of the Japanese School Program so that others may learn the significance of the Mikoshi and have a better understanding of Matsuri (Japanese Festivals).
We were very lucky to find an antique Mikoshi for purchase. This Mikoshi is assumed to be around 60-80 years old. It was originally owned by a Shinto Shrine in Japan and then was sold to Japan Airlines (JAL) before they went into receivership. The Mikoshi was to enhance community and team spirit. After this the Mikoshi was sold to the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce before ultimately being acquired by a dealer at Hemswell Antiques in Hemswell Cliff, Lincolnshire. From here we were able to acquire the Mikoshi and have it shipped from the UK to JCAM. Now we are in the process of doing a modest restoration. Please see the picture gallery for the pictures as we do this restoration. We hope to have a traditional Mikoshi parade once completed.
The final part of the Mikoshi arrived in Oct 2020 from Japan. They are the round medallions along the top of the Mikoshi. It is a Japanese symbol referred as "Mitsudomoe." A symbol that looks like 3 commas. Created from three joined tomoe, the mitsudomoe is a popular symbol in Japan. Some view the mitsudomoe as representative of the threefold division (Man, Earth, and Sky) at the heart of the Shinto religion.
The purchase of the Mikoshi was made possible by a generous donation from SEVA International Charitable Foundation and was purchased prior to the COVID pandemic.
