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Tōka Ebisu Opens at Osaka’s Imamiya Ebisu Shrine With Crowds and Lucky Bamboo

Local merchants look to the festival’s deity for steadier business beyond inbound tourism.

Overview

  • The three-day observance began January 9 at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine in Osaka’s Naniwa Ward and continues through January 11.
  • Worshippers packed the grounds as the chant “Shōbai hanjō ja, sasa motte koi” echoed across the shrine.
  • Forty-six fukumusume in orange kimono attached auspicious ornaments such as rice bales, ema and large gold coins to visitors’ fukazasa.
  • Attendees, including owners from Higashi Osaka and Yao, prayed for employee health and safety and more resilient, locally supported sales.
  • The Hoe-kago treasure-basket procession is scheduled to parade through the Minami entertainment district on Hon Ebisu, January 10.