Heteromato

Introduction

On the remote Fukue Island of the Goto Archipelago in Nagasaki Prefecture, a mysterious and exhilarating folk ritual known as Hetomato has been passed down through generations. Designated as a nationally Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1987, Hetomato is a vibrant New Year festival held every year on the third Sunday of January in the Shimozakiyama district of Goto City. This extraordinary event combines sacred Shinto rituals, fortune-telling for the harvest, sumo wrestling, battledore games, a fierce straw-ball scramble, tug-of-war, and a spectacular procession featuring a giant three-meter straw sandal — all culminating in the joyful tossing of young women into the air. Hetomato is truly one of Japan's most unique and spirited folk traditions.

Historical Background

The origins of Hetomato remain shrouded in mystery, with no established theory explaining the meaning of its enigmatic name. Historical records first appear in the Sakiyama Village Local History published in 1918 (Taisho 7), and oral traditions passed down by village elders trace the festival back at least to the 1890s. The ritual was first recognized at the national level in 1978 when it was selected as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property requiring documentation and preservation measures. Then, on January 8, 1987, it received its current designation as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property under the name "Shimozakiyama no Hetomato Gyoji" (The Hetomato Ritual of Shimozakiyama).

The festival belongs to a broad category of New Year divination and prayer rites (toshi-ura) once widespread across Japan. These rituals, which sought to predict agricultural fortunes and ward off calamity through activities such as tug-of-war and ball-scrambling, have largely disappeared or faded as communities modernized. Hetomato stands out as a remarkably well-preserved example where multiple ritual elements coexist in a single, continuous celebration.

Why Hetomato Was Designated a Cultural Property

Hetomato earned its designation as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property because it represents a rare and exceptionally well-preserved amalgamation of New Year divination customs. While individual elements such as tug-of-war or ball-scrambling can be found in festivals throughout Japan, the combination of so many distinct ritual activities — from sacred processionals and battledore to sumo and the giant sandal offering — within a single continuous event is extremely uncommon. The festival also preserves important social structures: the hereditary role of the flag-bearer (hatamochi), the organization of young men's associations (wakka-mon), and the communal participation of the entire neighborhood. These features make Hetomato an invaluable window into the folk customs and community life of Japan's island communities.

Highlights and Attractions

Visitor Information

Hetomato is held annually on the third Sunday of January, starting around 1:00 PM. The events begin at Shirahama Shrine and proceed through the Shimozakiyama district, concluding at Yamashiro Shrine. The festival is free to watch, and spectators are welcome to follow the processions along the route. Warm clothing is recommended, as January temperatures on Fukue Island can be quite chilly. Visitors should note that the ball scramble and sandal procession are lively and can be physically intense — maintaining a safe distance while watching is advised.

To reach Fukue Island, flights are available from Nagasaki Airport and Fukuoka Airport to Goto Tsubaki Airport (approximately 30–40 minutes). Alternatively, jetfoil services operate from Nagasaki Port to Fukue Port in approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, while ferry crossings take about 3 hours and 10 minutes. An overnight ferry from Hakata Port (Fukuoka) is also available, taking approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes. On the island, rental cars are the most convenient way to reach the Shimozakiyama district.

Surrounding Attractions

Fukue Island, the largest of the Goto Islands, offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. The Goto Islands are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region," and visitors can explore historic churches such as Dozaki Church and Imochiura Church. The volcanic cone of Onidake offers panoramic views of the archipelago, while the dramatic Osezaki Lighthouse perched atop sheer cliffs is famous for its stunning sunsets. Nature lovers will enjoy the Goto Islands' renowned camellia forests, best viewed during the annual Goto Tsubaki Festival held in late February to early March. The islands are also celebrated for their fresh seafood, especially Goto udon noodles — a local specialty with a uniquely smooth texture achieved through the use of camellia oil in the dough.