[Fukuoka University] Educational Program to Experience Hakata Gion Yamakasa Held (July 9-15)

Fukuoka University has been implementing an educational program called "Experience! The Tradition and History of Hakata Gion Yamakasa" since 2018, in which students participate in the "Hakata Gion Yamakasa," a traditional event boasting over 785 years of history, to learn about regional culture, etiquette, and communication with local residents.

This year, a total of 16 students will participate: 8 in the "Practical Course" who will actually pull the Yamakasa, and 8 in the "Liberal Arts Course" who will learn about its culture and history. Through this program, students will gain a multifaceted understanding of the culture and spirit behind the Yamakasa, including preliminary lectures by faculty members involved in the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, visits to the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum and Kushida Shrine, and a walking tour of the town led by the "Hakata Guide Association."

On the final day, July 15 (Wed), the 8 students in the Practical Course will run through the streets of Hakata as actual pullers during the "Oiyama Kasahiki."

Program Learn about the traditions and history alive in Hakata by attending lectures by Yamakasa-related personnel, visiting facilities, and practicing/observing the Yamakasa pulling.

* Practical Course: Experience the power of the Yamakasa and learn the movements and shouts of the pullers by actually pulling the Yamakasa. * Liberal Arts Course: Learn history and tradition through lectures by Yamakasa-related personnel and visits to related facilities and the Oiyama Kasahiki.

Date and Time July 9, 2026 (Thu) - July 15, 2026 (Wed) * Details on meeting time and place will be provided separately to those who wish to cover the event.

Participants Practical Course: 8 students, Liberal Arts Course: 8 students (10 male students, 6 female students)

[Contact Information] Fukuoka University, Office of the Center for Social Collaboration Phone: 092-871-6631 (Main) Weekdays 8:50-17:00 Email: koyu*adm.fukuoka-u.ac.jp (Please replace "*" with "@" when sending an email.)