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Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan"

Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan is inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2016. It consists of 33 representative examples of float festivals in various region throughout Japan, and all of these festivals are designated by the Government of Japan as the Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties.

The float festivals are cultural social practices, rituals and festive events. In cities and towns throughout Japan, local communities hold float festivals annually to pray to the gods for peace and protection from natural disasters. During each of the festivals, members of the community pull or shoulder their characteristic extravagantly decorated floats. Various sections of the communities collaborate for them. Men and women of all ages from cities and other parts of the area share responsibility for the organization and running of them, including every step from the design and construction of the floats that reflect the diversity of local culture, to the accompanying music and overall event coordination. In each of the 33 locations, Transmission is ensured through families and ‘safeguarding associations’. Craftsmen such as carpenters, lacquer artisans and dyers have transmitted the techniques of making and repairing floats for centuries. Tasks are assigned based on the seniority. Community members are involved since adolescence, gradually mastering the required skills, and elderly participants provide guidance for those less experienced.

Inscription
In 2009, UNESCO inscribed the two float parades, Hitachi Furyumono and Yamahoko, the float ceremony of the Kyoto Gion festival. In 2011, the Chichibu autumn festival and the Takayama Festival were also nominated, but they were referred.

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