The 42nd Hari-Kuyo: Japan’s Needle Memorial Service
On Saturday, March 9th, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, a “The 42nd Hari-Kuyo: Needle Memorial Ceremony” will be held at Hashirimizu Shrine, expressing gratitude to the needles that support our daily lives.
In this traditional ceremony, broken needles used in sewing are respectfully inserted into blocks of tofu as an offering. On this day, participants take a break from sewing to reflect on their achievements and aspire for further improvement, while expressing profound gratitude to the needles that have served them faithfully.
Preserving Tradition: The Evolution of Hari-Kuyo, Japan’s Needle Memorial Service
The tradition of needle memorial services originated from the Awashima belief and has been observed since the Edo period. It involved not only women in ordinary households but also tailors and others, who would take a break from sewing, clean their needle boxes, sometimes arrange old needles on the household altar, decorate them with brocade, and prepare offerings such as rice cakes and kenchin soup for memorial services.
In the Kanto region, this ceremony is typically held on February 8th, while in the Kansai region, it takes place on December 8th.
On February 8, 1983 (Showa 58), the Needle Monument was erected, accompanied by an unveiling ceremony and the inaugural “Thanksgiving Festival.” From 1996, it was renamed as the “Needle Monument Thanksgiving Festival,” and further in 2006, it was changed to “Hari-Kuyo” aiming to perpetuate the spirit of gratitude towards the needles that serve us daily.
Initially held on February 8th, the ceremony has more recently been scheduled in March to accommodate for the colder weather.
Hari-Kuyo: Basic Information
Join us on March 9th, 2024, at Hashirimizu Shrine in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, for the annual Hari-Kuyo Japan’s Needle Memorial Service, organized by the Otsu Tourist Association. From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, participants will gather to honor this cherished tradition, with the cooperation of local associations and support from Yokosuka City and Kanagawa Shimbun.
Please note that there is no parking available, so we encourage the use of public transportation. For more information, contact the Otsu Tourist Association at 046-836-3531 or visit the official Hari-Kuyo webpage and Yokosuka City Tourism Information website.
| Date | March 9th, 2024 (Saturday) |
| Time | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Location | Hashirimizu Shrine |
| Address | 2 Chome-11-5 Hashirimizu, Yokosuka, Kanagawa *Please note there is no parking available, consider using public transportation. |
| Inquiries | 046-836-3531 (Otsu Tourist Association) |
| Official Website | Hari-Kuyo Official Webpage |
| Yokosuka City Tourism Information | Yokosuka City Tourism Information Website |
| Organizer | Otsu Tourist Association |
| Cooperation | Hashirimizu Shrine, Hashirimizu Neighborhood Association, Hashirimizu Neighborhood Women’s Group, Hashirimizu Shrine Association |
| Support | Yokosuka City, Yokosuka City Tourism Association, Kanagawa Shimbun (Kanagawa Newspaper) |
About Hashirimizu Shrine
Hashirimizu Jinja (走水神社) is a Shinto shrine that enshrines Japan’s legendary figure, Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, and his consort, Princess Ototachibana-hime no Mikoto. The shrine’s origin is linked to an episode during the journey of Prince Yamato Takeru, the son of Emperor Keikō, to Kazusa Province.
It is said that Princess Ototachibana-hime calmed the turbulent sea by throwing herself into it, as recorded in the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki.” Princess Ototachibana-hime, known for her deep affection and trust in Prince Yamato Takeru, is revered as a deity. Hashirimizu Jinja has gained recognition as a spiritual place for fulfilling romantic aspirations and enhancing feminine energy.
Looking up at the main hall of Hashirimizu Shrine from the landing, you’re surrounded by a mysterious atmosphere created by dense foliage. To the right of the main hall stands a magnificent ginkgo tree, commanding attention with its imposing presence. Upon reaching the top of the stairs and turning around, you’re greeted with a view of Hashirimizu fishing port and the sea beyond, glimpsed through the trees.
Location
2Chome-11-5 Hashirimizu, Yokosuka, Kanagawa (2 minutes on foot from the bus stop in front of the shrine, taking the bus towards Kannonzaki)
Official Website
Hashirimizu Shrine Official Website
