This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
Hachimanuma – One of Japan's three major horses, a local lucky toy passed down in the southern horse-breeding areas [Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture]
Hachimanuma – One of Japan's three major horses, a local lucky toy passed down in the southern horse-breeding areas [Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture]
horses were an inseparable part of people's lives, used in farming, warfare, and transportation .
The Tohoku region is home to many excellent horse breeding areas, and this tradition is naturally reflected in the traditional crafts of each region
The Yawataumathe "Three Great Horses of Japan," along with the Miharu-goma from Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, and the Kinoshita-goma from Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture.
What is Hachimanuma?
Hachinohe City has been an excellent horse breeding area since ancient times
The Nanbu region, including Hachinohe City, was once Nukanobu County , and by the beginning of the Nara period it was already recognized by the Imperial Court as a breeding ground for excellent horses.
As time passed and the Kamakura period began, the surrounding area came under the rule of the Nanbu clan as a result of the " Oshu War ," a battle between the Kamakura government and the Oshu Fujiwara clan. The horses produced in this area "Nanbu horses," and due to their excellence, they became highly valued throughout the country.
It is believed that the origin of the Yawata horse lies in wooden carvings of horses that were made in this land where horses are so familiar, in hopes of the healthy growth of beloved horses
Hachimanuma, named after Kushibiki Hachiman Shrine
Shortly thereafter, wooden carved horse toys began to be sold as souvenirs to visitors at the annual festival of Kushibiki Hachiman Shrine"horse kids sold at the Hachiman shrine ," the name was given to them and they came to be called "Yawatauma."
From then on, Yawata horses began to be raised as a side job for local farmers during the off-season, and are said to have become established in the area
Appearance of the Hachiman horse
The appearance of the Yawata horse is said to represent the formal attire worn by a bride during her wedding procession, and the horse's body is painted primarily in black (bay), red (chestnut), and white (gray)
Traditionally, they are decorated with chiyogami paper and feature dotted stars representing horse equipment such as stirrups and reins, but nowadays it is common to paint patterns that resemble chiyogami directly onto the horse's body
Due to its gorgeous appearance, which is reminiscent of the horses worn in the wedding procession, the Yawata horse is still widely loved today as a lucky charm and as a gift or souvenir for important milestones in life, such as weddings, housewarmings, graduations, and childbirths
Yawatauma ＜Information＞
Name: Yahatuma Co., Ltd
Address: 2-5-2 Numadate, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, 031-0071
Kushihiki Hachiman Shrine the birthplace of the Hachiman horse , is said to have been built by Nanbu Mitsuyuki, the first head of the Nanbu family, who had the shrine built in Takinosawa village in Rokunohe and moved the shrine from Nanbu-sho in Kai Province (present-day Yamanashi Prefecture), which was the reason he himself took the Nanbu surname, and then later moved it again to its current location in Kushibiki village.
As the shrine is located in what was once one of Japan's leading horse-breeding regions, it has a deep connection with horses, and at the autumn festival, which is held over three days from August 14th to 16th on the lunar calendar, a Yabusame, , is dedicated.
Within the grounds of Kushibuki Hachiman Shrine, you can see many donated Hachiman horses
A stone statue of Hachimanuma sits on a pedestal engraved with the word "sacred horse." It is draped in a sacred rope
A black Hachiman horse is enshrined next to the worship hall. It is also wrapped in a sacred rope
Although it can only be seen from a distance, the red and white Hachiman horse can also be seen at the entrance to the main shrine
You can see Yawata horses in many other places, so be sure to look for them when you visit
Yawatauma, which inherits the skills of the late Naojiro Okubo, a master of the traditional "machete carving" technique
"natahori" technique used to make Yawata horses , passed away in 2022, and it seemed as if one of the traditions of Yawata horses would be lost. However, Okubo's daughter, Yuko Okubo, has inherited her father's will as a Yawata horse artist.
Okubo's work, which can be purchased at Kushibuchi Hachiman Shrine, is small, about 3cm tall, but it is decorated with traditional chiyogami paper and the majestic Hachiman horse with its chest held high exudes strength
Kushibiki Hachiman Shrine <Information>
Name: Kushibiki Hachiman Shrine
Address: 3 Yahata Yahatacho, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, 039-1105
Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs
![Nishikicho Toramai (Kamaishi City)](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC_01162-150x150.jpg.webp "Sanriku performing arts come together! Photo report from the Sanriku International Arts Festival 2025 "Kamasu" [Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture]")
![Fisheries Science Museum Marient](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/90d6ca8457bc6ca204b1608b4e1cd47a_s-150x150.jpg.webp "Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture: "Mariento" is Hachinohe City's representative fisheries science museum! Say hello to flatfish!")
![market](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/f58e75e96a8432fb409b797bab0ad3f8_s-150x150.jpg.webp "[Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture] Japan's largest morning market, "Tatehana Wharf," is a gathering of products from all over the world and throughout history! From B-grade gourmet food to larvae gummies!")
