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Osaka has been traditionally known as the merchant capital of Japan. Therefore, the significance of the Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka resonates especially strong with the people of the city. Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka nicknamed Hon-Ebisu (the central day of Ebisu) and Nokorifuku (Lingering Luck) means the Tenth Day Ebisu. During this annual festival held on January 9, 10, and 11, many people throng this annual Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka to pray for prosperity to Ebisu. Ebisu is the patron of wealth and one of the 'Seven Gods of Good Fortune' ('shichi-fukujin'). He is the patron saint of those in business and commerce. It is usually portrayed carrying a fishing rod and a large fish - a symbol of abundance. Those in business never fail to make an annual visit to the Ebisu Shrine during Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka . A similar 'Toka Ebisu' festival takes place in Wakayama on the same days. Other smaller celebrations in honor of Ebisu take place around the country throughout the year. Features of the Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka The features of Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka include: - Throughout the three-day Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka , hundreds of thousands of people come to worship at the shrine and pray to Ebisu, affectionately called "Ebessan" by Osakans.
- A million people pass through the sixth century Imamiya-Ebisu Shrine during the three-day January festival to pray to Ebisu
- A million visitors participate in the festival each year and purchase "Kiccho-zasa" for their pursuit of a prospering business. Kiccho-zasa is a bamboo branch decorated with models of Tai (a sea bream), koban (an old Japanese gold coin) and kome-dawara (a straw rice bag). These three items represent one's flourishing success in business.
- The shrine maiden's, who sell the lucky bamboo fronds (fukusasa) loaded with lucky charms and coin talismans, offer is, "Buy a frond and your business will prosper." It's certainly a profitable time for the frond sellers.
- The highlight of the festival is " Toka Ebisu " (10th Ebisu) when colorful palanquins bear geisha and other celebrities through the lantern-lit streets.
- The Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka is when geisha on palanquins turn out from the Minami district, with carriers shouting time.
Season to Visit the Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka is celebrated during the month of January.
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