Yassa Festival Paper Doll

Updated at 2026-04-27

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The paper doll depicted here holds a lantern bearing the word “やっさ” (Yassa), referencing the well-known traditional festival of Mihara City in Japan. The Mihara Yassa Festival is held annually in August over two days and brings together approximately 4,000 dancers in celebration. The origins of the Yassa dance date back to 1567, when the local warlord Takakage KOBAYAKAWA constructed a sea castle by linking small islands in Mihara Bay. To celebrate its completion, local residents played shamisen, drums, and flutes—an event that later gave rise to the saying, “All celebrations begin with Yassa and end with Yassa.” Dancers traditionally wear yukata, tie long cloth headbands, and carry lanterns in shades of pink, white, and blue during evening performances, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere.

Details

Name

Yassa Festival Paper Doll

Giver

Hideaki Umemoto Chairman of the Mihara City Council

Friendly States

Japan

City

Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Language: Japanese
Area: 471 square kilometers
Population: Approx. 86,000 people
Main Industries/Features: Located in central Hiroshima Prefecture, Mihara benefits from excellent transport infrastructure, including the Shinkansen and local JR lines, the Sanyo Expressway, Mihara Port, Sunami Port, and Hiroshima Airport. Its connectivity is its greatest advantage.