Yawata-Uma Colonnade

Yawata-Uma Colonnade

It is said that the people of the southern region (Hachinohe and its neighboring areas), which used to be a breeding ground for horses, made Yawata-uma as a talisman to pray for the healthy growth of their beloved horses.
As for the origin of its name, it is said that horse woodwork, which was made as a side business during the agricultural off-season, began to be sold as souvenirs at the Kushihiki Hachimangu festival, which led to it being called Yawata-uma.
Yawata-Uma Colonnade is a work by Mr. Naojiro Okubo (1942 - 2022), a traditional craftsman certified by Aomori Prefecture who carves out horse shapes with a single machete.
288 Yawata-uma are installed on six pillars. Today, the Yawata-uma is a lucky charm that brings good fortune and is popular as a gift or souvenir for celebrations as well.