Rock people born in the Showa Era: Introducing the scenery of the city

Mibudera Temple, a Ritsu sect temple founded in the Heian period (794-1185), is widely known as a temple closely associated with the Shinsengumi.

The Shinsengumi boom occurred periodically, and the Mibudera neighborhood was crowded each time.

In particular, when the NHK historical drama "Shinsengumi! was aired in 2004, many tourists visited the area, and the neighborhood became very excited, making happi coats and banners that imitated the TV drama, transcending the boundaries of the shopping district and other areas.

Recently, however, it has been a bit of a lonely time.

The souvenir shop near the Yagi Family, a former site of the Mibu Tonsho, that mainly sells Shinsengumi goods has also closed.

Is it because they are not featured in TV dramas? Or is it because the Shinsengumi itself has lost its appeal for today's youth?

Mibudera Temple is home to the famous Mibu Kyogen and Setsubun-kai events.

Mibu Kyogen is officially called "Mibu Dainenbutsu Kyogen" and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset. It has a history of about 700 years, and the repertoire includes 30 pieces.

During the Setsubun Festival, people write their age, gender, and prayers on a gunraku (unglazed earthenware plate) and dedicate it to the god.

The Setsubun Festival is the temple's most lively event, with many food stalls lined up.

Even I, a non-believer, can be blissfully happy with takoyaki and beer.

It has been a quarter of a century since I moved to Mibu, and when I first moved here, I learned that the public could participate in the New Year's bell ringing at Mibudera Temple.

I immediately joined and have done so every year since then whenever possible.

The temple bell will begin tolling at 23:40.

The first hit is done by the master, and from the second hit, those who wish to hit can do so by pulling a rope with about 10 to 20 people per hit. The first 300 people to arrive will receive free amazake (sweet sake).

Every year there is a long line of people, but in my experience, if you get there around 11:15 p.m., you can get amazake (sweet sake).

It is a warm event during the cold season over the age of 18.