Around 200 people parade through the streets, carrying a portable shrine.

It's said to be the annual excursion for the deity enshrined within.

This is "Onabare," a folk cultural property of Kochi Prefecture that has been cherished for 300 years.

The main attraction is "nerikomi," a performance featuring heavy poles, which may be as long as six meters.

The pole is tipped with fur and feathers that ward off disaster.

Wielding it takes skill and strength.

The event is held in Kami, Kochi Prefecture.

The venue, Okawakami-mirafu Shrine, has over a thousand years of history.

"Nerikomi" participants begin their training one month ahead of the festival.

The person in charge of recruiting them is youth group leader Komatsu Takashi.

He reaches out to group members, and past participants.

I've got eight people.

He's two shy of the ten required.

It's difficult to find people
who want to give it a try.

"Why do you think that is?"

They don't see what they'll
get out of it. It's unclear.

"Nerikomi" is difficult to perform.

Wielding the pole requires a month of dedicated practice.

I can't...I can't keep going.

There's exactly one month to go.

Just in time, the final participant is confirmed.

I've never done this before.

Akashi Masanori is getting involved in the matsuri for the first time.

I got a call saying that without more
people, the festival might not happen.

And I thought it would be a good
opportunity to connect with people.

I'd been hoping for
a chance like this.

Hold that position for 20 seconds.

I can't do it!

I thought if I copied the others,
I'd be OK. It's harder than I thought.

But I really want the event
to be a success.

"Nerikomi" involves complicated movements.

The pole must be carefully lowered, moved horizontally into the shrine, and thrust twice.

Then, with one hand, the participant rings the bell twice.

The next action represents warding off disaster.

The tip of the pole must at no point touch the ground.

This takes tremendous strength.

Each pole has a different length and decoration, which affects the weight.

The second-heaviest pole will be carried by the youngest participant, Kawada Shogo.

He came to Kochi for university, and fell in love with this mountain town.

This is just impossible.

I'm not from here, so I'm grateful
that they're teaching me.

I don't want to let them down.
So I'll do my best.

- "What will you do?"
- I'll keep going.

Ah, I can't lift it.

- "How's it going?"
- We have a long way to go!

We might not make it!

People can master nerikomi, but
if it's your first time, it's tough.

Will all ten participants get the job done on the big day?

It's November 3rd: festival day.

Local children have also been busy getting ready to play their role in the matsuri.

This is the first "Onabare" parade in three years.

The mikoshi, with its enshrined deity, is taken along a two-kilometer route.

Various performances are presented.

The parade reaches a small wayside shrine.

They will turn back after the deity has been entertained with a dance.

Along the way, the "nerikomi" performers ward off misfortune by waving the poles over people's heads.

When the mikoshi returns to the shrine, it's time for the grand finale.

Here goes Kawada, the youngest performer.

Before we started, people wished me
luck, and I was determined to succeed.

It was a wonderful moment.

Next, let's see Akashi, the first-timer.

I only got the hang of what to do
on the eve of the event.

And in practice, I only did it
properly once. So I was worried.

"Akashi succeeds on his first attempt!"

On this occasion, ten people took on the "nerikomi" challenge.

Their impressive performance was the perfect end to this year's "Onabare."

It's over!

All done.

It was my first time, so I'm really
glad I could keep the tradition going.

I gave it everything I had, and
I think I did OK. So I'm happy!

It was a tough year, but I'm glad
we managed to pull it off.