Tori no Ichi: May the Rooster Grant You Good Health and Prosperous Business

Every autumn across the Kanto region, a lively festival called Tori no Ichi fills the air with cheers, lantern lights, and laughter. People come to wish for good health and successful business in the year ahead. Dating back to the Edo period, this celebration was originally seen as the first event to welcome the New Year.

Visitors will find stalls overflowing with kumade, a decorative bamboo rake adorned with lucky charms, believed to “rake in” good fortune. The festival takes place on the rooster days in November, sometimes two or even three times depending on the lunar calendar. As the night ends, people part ways with smiles, saying “Have a happy New Year!” A warm reminder of gratitude and hope for what’s to come.

How It All Started Tori no Ichi

There are many stories about how Tori no Ichi began.

One tale says it started in Hanamata Village, now home to Owashi Shrine in Adachi Ward where local farmers offered chickens in thanks to Ootori Daimyojin, the area’s guardian deity. After the festival, these chickens were carried to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and set free in front of the Kannon Hall.

Another account involves Emperor Yamato Takeru, a celebrated folk hero. After a victorious voyage, he visited Otori Shrine to offer his weapon, symbolizing a lake, to the eagle-god inhabiting the shrine, Amenohiwashi no Mikoto. Legend says this happened on a “rooster day,” paving the way for the Tori no Ichi tradition. His offering later became the shrine’s emblem.

A third version traces the festival to Chokokuji Temple and Otori Shrine in Asakusa. From there, the celebration spread across the country, always tied to the rooster days of the lunar calendar in November. Interestingly, the “third rooster day” was traditionally considered unlucky, foretelling fire. Today, locals of Asakusa hold Tori no Ichi close to their hearts, showcasing pride, gratitude, and hospitality.

The Two Main Areas of Celebration

Tori no Ichi is celebrated in two main locations in Tokyo: Asakusa and Shinjuku.

In Asakusa, the “mother of all Tori no Ichi fairs,” about 800 to 900 stalls line Otori Shrine and Chokokuji Temple, running around the clock on November 12th and 24th, starting at midnight. Paths are lined with lanterns, the aroma of grilled street food fills the air, and lively taiko drum performances add rhythm to the festive energy. Large crowds gather to make prayers and enjoy the celebrations. From Iriya or Minowa Station, it’s a 10-minute walk; from Asakusa Station, about 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, Shinjuku’s Hanazono Shrine offers a bustling Tori no Ichi for locals and visitors alike, including people from the vibrant nightlife area of Kabukicho. The festival runs from 10 am to 11 pm. The easiest way to get there is from Exit E2 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station, or a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station.

Keeping the Traditions Alive

At the heart of Tori no Ichi is the kumade. Originally simple bamboo rakes holding rice sheaves, kumade have evolved into elaborate creations with charms, deities, miniature mikoshi, fans, and even cute animals. Some are massive and richly decorated! Tradition calls for returning your old kumade at the end of the year and buying a new one annually to invite fresh fortune.

One of the most delightful customs is kumade-buying. Haggling is encouraged; a rare sight in Japan! A buyer may start by negotiating the price down, but tradition dictates giving the full original price as a gift to the vendor. In response, the sellers burst into rhythmic claps, blessing the buyer with health, good luck, and business success. This heartwarming exchange repeats throughout the festival, spreading joy to everyone present.

If you’re a business owner seeking success or simply curious about Japan’s vibrant autumn traditions, Tori no Ichi offers a mix of history, gratitude, and festive energy. With bright lights, heartfelt blessings, and the charm of community spirit, it’s a celebration that reminds everyone to welcome fortune with open hands and perhaps a lucky rake!

Picture Sources:

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1. https://www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db/en/R1-01382.html

2. https://torinoichi.jp/about/

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