Ep.014 — Hōnen Matsuri at Dusk. The Hatakata of Ishigaki.

The sun goes down in Ishigaki.

The drums are still going. And the flags go up.

What Is Hatakata

Hatakata is a traditional ceremony performed during the Hōnen Matsuri — Ishigaki Island’s harvest festival.

Each village carries its own flag. A large decorated pole, balanced by hand. No harness. No rope. Just skill, and the weight of tradition.

The taller the flag, the more impressive the balance. Some poles reach several meters high.

This isn’t a show put on for visitors.

This is the village performing for itself — for the harvest, for the ancestors, for the community.

The Hōnen Matsuri has been held this way in Ishigaki for hundreds of years. The Hatakata is one of its most recognizable moments.

One flag. One village.

Balanced by hand. No harness. No rope.

Part of the harvest festival. For hundreds of years.

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