University of Hyogo and Tenjin Matsuri

Since 2022, University of Hyogo, through a project established by Prof. Carmen Tamas from the School of Economics and Management, and Mr. Yoshiki Miyamoto, leader of the Otori Mikoshi Group, has been an active participant in Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan’s three greatest festivals. Tenjin Matsuri is a large-scale example of how history and myth are re-enacted in contemporary society,now with an international twist added through the involvement of students from various parts of the world, who are thus able to interact directly with local communities and acquire a better understanding of Japanese culture through active participation.

In 2026, 21 students from the Global Business Course, School of Economics and Management (representing ten countries) played active roles in Tenjin Matsuri: 16 students were lantern carriers for Otori Mikoshi, one (together with a current Japanese language instructor from the same department) helped carry the mikoshi, two (coordinated by the same instructor) helped with organizational details, and two students were involved in the Gal Mikoshi activities.

The central figure celebrated by Tenjin Matsuri is Sugawara-no-Michizane, a Heian Period aristocrat known for his extensive learning and academic achievements, making the event a perfect symbol for the desire to expand one’s knowledge and the ideal stage for the collaboration of two institutions with a long tradition: University of Hyogo for academia and Osaka Tenmangu Shrine for history and culture.

The beginning of the collaboration. July 25, 2022. Students from 9 countries (Japan included) joined the Land Procession of Tenjin Matsuri.

Students and teachers ready for Tenjin Matsuri.

Lantern carriers, July 25, 2026.

Teachers (Mr. Andrei Herinean) and students (Mr. Kazuaki Hanasato) with Otori Mikoshi, July 24/25.

July 24, 2025. Ms. Erina Yamaguchi as Hanamusume.

July 23, 2026. Ms. Mei Aoki and Ms. Khangai Nomundari as mikoshi carriers.