Akita City in Japan came alive on October 11, 2023, as approximately 100 participants donned face paint and masks to transform into foxes for the annual Shofuku-gitsune no Gyoretsu, or the March of Foxes Inviting Luck. This vibrant festival, which began in 2002 to invigorate the local shopping area, saw participants parade along the Torimachi shopping street, fostering a sense of community and celebration.
The event commenced at the Shofuku Inari Shrine, also located along the shopping street. The participants marched over a half-mile, distributing rice stalks and red-and-white daifuku mochi, traditional rice cakes, to onlookers. Along their route, they enthusiastically shouted, “Shobai hanjo, kon, kon, kon,” a phrase that expresses wishes for business prosperity, with “kon” mimicking the call of a fox.
One of the participants, a 24-year-old graduate student from Akita International University, shared her excitement about joining the festivities for the first time. “We all had fun putting on makeup,” she said. “The whole community got excited, so it’s a good memory for me.” This sentiment echoed throughout the crowd, highlighting the festival’s role in uniting residents and attracting visitors.
As the parade progressed, spectators lined the streets, capturing the lively atmosphere with their smartphones and cameras. The event not only celebrates local culture but also aims to boost the economy of the participating businesses along the shopping street.
The Shofuku-gitsune no Gyoretsu has become a beloved tradition, showcasing the unique blend of cultural heritage and modern community spirit in Akita. With each passing year, the festival grows in popularity, solidifying its place as a key event in the city’s calendar, and reinforcing the ties among its residents.
As the foxes marched, they reminded everyone of the joy found in community celebrations and the rich traditions that continue to thrive in contemporary Japan.
