Mikoshi shrine, temple, Japan Club of Victoria, Moomba parade, Osaka Sister City Association
Summary
Mikoshi or portable shrines are a feature of traditional festivals throughout Japan. The purpose of a mikoshi is to hold ‘Kami san’ (Japanese gods). During a festival mikoshi are carried through the streets by the townspeople so the Kami san can spread good luck and prosperity throughout the neighbourhood.
This childrens’ mikoshi was presented to the City of Melbourne by the Osaka Sister City Association January 1991. It was carried for the first time by children in the Moomba parade that year.
Every year during the Moomba festival the Japan Club of Victoria take the mikoshi from its display case in the Melbourne Town Hall and carry it in the Moomba parade.
This mikoshi is a symbol of Melbourne’s vibrant sister city relationship with Osaka. The relationship encourages cultural, business and people to people exchange.
