Records at the Toyokawa Central Library indicate that this unique festival is held annually at least since before 1701, in honor to Toyokawa's Patron "Kami," Ushikubo of Hachiman Shrine. The days for the festival are on the weekend closest to April 7th and 8th. This is due to the fact that in ancient times those days were religious holidays in the town: the "eve" on Saturday preceding the main event of Sunday.

It is believed that this festival has its origins as homage to the lords of Imahashi Castle, which existed in the current location of Yoshida Castle in Toyohashi-City, beginning with samurai Makino Kohaku and his successors, who preached that "the country owes its existence to the people who live in it." Once, the lord was so overwhelmed with gratitude for the hard work of his loyal retainers upon completion of a new fortification, that he decided to host a generous banquet with plenty of food and rice wine "sake," inviting all the populace. The guests became so inebriated that many were not even able to properly walk back home, stumbling and hanging onto each other's shoulders, while others would just pass out on the streets. Due to the sheer number of guests, people were spread everywhere around town. The memory of this happy event and the lord’s generosity was so well imprinted into the minds of the townsfolk that they decide to celebrate the event every year since then.

This peculiar and lively festival is designated by Aichi Prefecture as an Important Intangible Folk Culture Asset and is a must for tourists!