Akina’s Arasetsu observances

Festival highlights

The highlights are two events held at different times of day: Shochogama at dawn and Hirase Mankai in the evening.

For Shochogama, people climb onto a lean-to thatched hut and shake it down while singing celebratory songs.

At Hirase Mankai, songs and dances are performed atop two rocks in Akina Bay: Kami Hirase and Me Warabe Hirase.

The way the event welcomes the spirits of rice amid the mountains and sea is particularly striking.

An event carrying on Akina’s ancient prayers to welcome the spirits of rice from the mountains and sea

What to expect

The event consists of Shochogama, held at dawn on Arasetsu, and Hirase Mankai, held in the evening.

For Shochogama, people climb onto a thatched hut built in advance and shake it down while singing celebratory songs, then perform Hachigatsu Odori on its fallen roof.

In the evening, people sing and dance atop two rocks, led by those acting as deities, to welcome the spirits of rice.

Location and access

Venue and address

Akina village and Akina Bay, Tatsugo Town (Akina, Tatsugo Town, Oshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture)

By car

About 1 hour from Amami Airport and about 35 minutes from Naze Port.

Address Akina, Tatsugo Town, Oshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

It is usually held on the first Hinoe day of lunar calendar: August.

An announcement listed the 2026 event for September 19 (Saturday), with Shochogama scheduled for dawn and Hirase Mankai for the evening.

As the date is based on the lunar calendar, the Gregorian date varies from year to year.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

Shochogama takes place at dawn, while Hirase Mankai is held in the evening, so allow plenty of time if you plan to see both events.

The venues are split between Akina village and Akina Bay, so it is a good idea to check the times and locations in advance.

The date is set according to the lunar calendar, so check the Gregorian date for the year you plan to visit.

Nearby attractions

Sightseeing spots introduced near Akina’s Arasetsu observances include Nanshu Shrine in Ashikabu, Kagambana Tunnel, and the Amami Nature Observation Forest.

Other places mentioned include Aikana Spring, the Saigo Nanshu Exile Site, and Kurazaki Beach.

Along with the events in the Akina district, these are some places to consider visiting for their connection to Amami’s nature and history.

Origins and History of Akina’s Arasetsu observances

Akina’s Arasetsu observances are said to date back to the time when the Amami Islands were under the rule of the Shuri royal government, between the 13th and 17th centuries, a period known as the Naha era.

The observances ceased during and after the war, but a preservation association was established in Showa 35, and efforts were made to pass them on.

They were subsequently designated intangible folk cultural properties by the town in Showa 46, the prefecture in Showa 57, and the nation in Showa 60.

Source: 秋名アラセツ行事｜鹿児島県龍郷町

Official information

Event details, including the venue and date, are available in the event listing on the Kagoshima Prefecture tourism website.

The official Tatsugo Town website introduces the history of Akina’s Arasetsu observances, the Arasetsu calendar, and the roles of Shochogama and Hirase Mankai.

Information about its cultural heritage designation is also available in the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties.

Akina’s Arasetsu observances at a Glance

Akina’s Arasetsu observances is the collective name for Shochogama and Hirase Mankai, held in Akina, Tatsugo Town.

At dawn, people shake down a thatched hut; in the evening, they welcome the spirits of rice by singing and dancing on two rocks in Akina Bay.

A nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property that conveys gratitude for the harvest and prayers for a good harvest.