Join Professor Emeritus Sakurai Haruo of Kogakkan University for an exploration of Shikinen Sengū, the grand renewal ceremony held once every 20 years at Ise Jingū, Japan’s most important Shinto shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture.
With a history spanning more than 1,300 years, Shikinen Sengū is a monumental operation involving the complete rebuilding of the structures in which the kami (Shinto spirits or deities) are enshrined, together with the renewal of over 1,500 sacred treasures and garments. Culminating in the transfer of the kami to newly constructed sanctuaries, the ceremony has served to sustain the transmission and preservation of specialized craftsmanship, architectural techniques and religious practices over generations.
A key public event within the approximately nine-year renewal cycle is the lively Okihiki Festival, in which local communities come together to transport timber used in the rebuilding of the shrine.
In this illustrated talk, Professor Sakurai explores the history and significance of the Shikinen Sengū and Okihiki traditions and considers how they have fostered a sustainable cycle of conservation, renewal and cultural continuity for more than a millennium.
The current, 63rd Shikinen Sengū cycle began in 2025 and culminates in 2033.
This event forms part of a wider programme presented in collaboration with Ise City, including a talk on Shinto craftsmanship with Miyachu on Saturday 7 November and hands-on workshops exploring the traditions of Ise’s Okihiki Festival on Sunday 8 November.
The event series is presented as part of the Spotlight on Local Japan Programme, organized in collaboration with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), which accepts applications from potential collaborators based in Japan to co-create cultural events presenting Japan’s regional diversity at Japan House London.
Please note that filming and photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.
About the speaker
Sakurai Haruo (Professor Emeritus, Kogakkan University)
Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1949, Sakurai Haruo is a scholar of religious studies whose research focuses on Shinto and local religious traditions. In 2018, he was awarded the Minakata Kumagusu Prize (Humanities Division). His publications include The Religious Studies of Local Shrines (Kōbundō) and An Introduction to Shrines for Complete Beginners (Gentōsha). He was a Visiting Fellow at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge from 1985 to 1986.
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