Tamaseseri Festival 玉取祭

3 Jan 2025

Hakozaki Shrine

Tamaseseri is a traditional Hakata New Year festival held in the afternoon on January 3 at Hakozakigu Shrine to forecast a bountiful harvest and plentiful catch for the year. The term “Seseri” means “to touch” or “to compete,” which describes the actions of the competitors wearing loincloths. They are split into the Land Team (farmers) and the Sea Team (fishermen) and vie for two 8kg (nearly 18-pound) balls while being soaked with cold water. Originally, Tamaseseri was the Tamahayashi festival celebrated at Ebisu Shrines nationwide.

Tamaseseri Festival 玉取祭