Osaka Toka Ebisu Festival

The Osaka Toka Ebisu Festival is believed to welcome economic prosperity for the coming year. Dedicated to Ebisu, the deity associated with commerce, this festival is the perfect opportunity to up your chances of financial success during the next 12 months.

One of Japan’s seven gods of luck, Ebisu has historically had strong ties to fishermen due to its maritime origin story. Over generations, Ebisu’s protective sphere has extended to include merchants, farmers and commercial enterprises. As Osaka grew into an economic powerhouse, the popularity of Ebisu also grew.

Osaka Toka Ebisu Festival

Photo by: PIXTA/ bellflowr A three day festival dedicated to the god of commerce.

Osaka Toka Ebisu Festival honors the god of commerce from January 9 to 11. The festivities take place in and around Imamiya Ebisu Shrine and attract nearly one million visitors each year. While the evening of the 9th marks the beginning of the festival, the biggest attractions take place the next day.

On the second day of the festival, a large parade of more than 500 participants hit the streets to celebrate Ebisu. This parade brings local celebrities, dancers and specially selected women together to rile up the audience with celebratory fervor. The final day is the last opportunity to wish for good financial luck as the festival comes to an end.

Fukumusume

Photo by: PIXTA/ OrangeBook Get a good luck charm!

Every year, more than 3,000 women apply to become one of the 50 special representatives of the festival. Collectively, the women who win a role are called fukumusume or lucky daughters. Standing around Imamiya Shrine, fukumusume are dressed in traditional Japanese attire and a tall hat called an eboshi. Approach one and you’ll receive a good luck charm.

The Market

Photo by: PIXTA/ セーラム

Vendors throughout the market sell other good luck trinkets associated with Ebisu and economic prosperity. Kumade are ornamental bamboo rakes that can be adorned with images of Ebisu and other lucky symbols. Also, be on the lookout for fukusa, bamboo branches also associated with luck. Fukusasa and Kumades are often hung in homes or businesses, especially over the entrance.

Osaka is known for takoyaki (battered octopus grilled in the shape of a ball) and okonomiyaki (a savory pancake filled with pork, cabbage and other fillings). The Toka Ebisu Festival has hundreds of stalls selling these famous local offerings, as well as yakisoba (noodles stir-fried with meat and vegetables) and other tasty dishes.