Ancient, the current Kanagawa Prefecture had been referred to as "Sagami". Office of "Sagami" was in Oiso. Kokufu-sai (KOUNOMACHI) is a traditional festival of Shinto that takes place May 5 in Kanagawa Prefecture Oiso-machi.
Ancient, the state has established as the most important shrine the Samukawa Shrine (SAMUKAWA Shrine) in the "Sagami" region. On the other hand, Kawawa shrine (KAWAWA Shurine) was positioned as the second shrine by nation.
But people had had complained to the decision by the state. People began ritual for determining the first shrine. People will make the altar. They will prepare two of tiger skin. And KOUNOMACHI is celebrated as a symbol of drama.
First, Shinto priest of SAMUKAWA puts reverently a tiger skin in front of the altar. Then, KAWAWA side puts a tiger skin in front of the altar. However, it will be placed near the altar than SAMUKAWA side. In this way, Shinto priest of SAMUKAWA and KAWAWA to move alternately the tiger skin towards the altar. Both shrine compete the proximity to the altar.
This operation is performed three times in silence. However, Shinto priest of the third shrine will declare that "until next year." Thus, this competition will be postponed.
People has been repeatedly "draw" or more in 1000. Nation was rating the shrine, but the gods are not convinced. People have to avoid the conflict in this way.
Shinto priest has cleansed himself from a few days ago. Shinto priest is pregnant with God in the body, Shinto priest performs a ritual as God. The Japanese have worshiped the emperor as a god because the Emperor was the highest of the Shinto priest.
After the ceremony, people will send the gods in the world of God. People will set the stage in the shape of a ship. The myth of "Kojiki" appeared God to die by tilting their own ship. Stage of boat figure seems to be derived from this myth. People will dance the "lion dance", "dragon dance", "heron of dance."