Iijiri Hiroyuki preserves Gion Festival’s long‑sword float tradition

Iijiri Hiroyuki, a 57‑year‑old resident of Kyoto’s Nakagyo‑ku, has been the “稚児係” (child‑attendant coordinator) for the long‑sword float (長刀鉾) in the Gion Festival for five decades. He first joined the float’s musicians at age nine and took on the稚児 role the following year, later becoming the sole experienced稚児係 who trains children and their parents for the annual ritual that seeks to ward off disease.

The float, celebrating its 800‑year history in 2026, has recently been highlighted by contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, who donated a painting and is expected to attend the pre‑festival parade. Iijiri describes his work as passing on “Kyoto’s genetic heritage,” ensuring that the precise movements, attire, and spirit of the稚児 tradition endure for future generations of the Gion Festival.