IHI Aioi District and Kansai Branch Participate in Aioi Peron Festival
On 26 May, 286 IHI Group employees took part in the Aioi Peron Festival in Aioi Bay, Hyogo Prefecture. The venue is adjacent to the IHI Aioi District. This key attraction on the prefecture’s calendar heralds early summer. IHI supports this event with Aioi’s municipal government and chamber of commerce and industry.
The highlight of the festival is dragon boat racing. A crew comprises 28 rowers, a captain, a helmsman, a drummer, and one person on a gong. The festival originated in China and was brought to Nagasaki Prefecture around 300 years ago. In 1922, a Nagasaki-born employee of Harima Dock (later known as Harima Shipbuilding & Engineering and now part of IHI Group) introduced dragon boat racing to Aioi.
This year, 54 crews from within and outside Hyogo Prefecture competed for supremacy, including seven from IHI Group units including the IHI Aioi District and the Kansai Branch. Many crews practiced during lunch and other breaks from the end of March, when it had still been chilly. This year was a dragon racing initiation for a lot of employees, who learned from experienced colleagues. In the final, tightly coordinated rowers exerted themselves to the rhythm of gongs and drums as they crossed Aioi Bay.
Before opening proceedings, a ceremony to pray for safety at the festival took place at Tenpaku Shrine on the premises of the Aioi District. The deity was then “divided” in a process called bunrei (see note 1) and transferred to a palanquin that a grand procession carried to the festival site. Bearers placed it on board a boat for a ceremonial voyage across the sea and positioned it at an otabisho (note 2), providing watchful protection for the festival.
Notes
1. Bunrei is a process of dividing a deity to re-enshrine it elsewhere (although its spirit does not consequently diminish)
2. An otabisho is a temporary resting point for a deity during a festival
Employees participating in the festival enjoyed the experience, finding it a fun way to connect with the community. One was particularly satisfied that so much effort resulted in a great placing for that person’s crew. Another was delighted with support from other crew members and onlookers.
IHI Aioi District will continue to strengthen its engagement with the community by participating in this event and observing local cultural traditions.