Naginata Boko — The Long Sword Float
Apr 25, 2021
By tradition Naginata Boko is the first float in the Gion Festival annual procession on July 17. Therefore it’s featured in every form of Japanese mass media, and is easily the best-known float nationwide. It’s instantly recognizable by the naginata halberd sword on the top of its shingi central pole.
Legendary swordsmith Sanjo Munechika crafted the original halberd sword in the 10th century. Legend holds that it possesses mystical and healing properties. Munechika and his magical swordmaking are the subject of the noh play Kokiji.
Source: https://www.gionfestival.org/yamaboko-floats/saki-matsuri/naginata-boko/
