Arasuke-numa-iri Bonten Observance

The Arasuke-numa-iri Bonten observance, passed down in Arasuke, Daigo, Yokote City, is a local annual event in which a bonten is dedicated at Benten-numa. The pond-entry ritual and tawara-bonten express hopes connected with water and rural life.

About Arasuke-numa-iri Bonten Observance

The Arasuke-numa-iri Bonten observance is an annual event passed down in Arasuke, Daigo, Yokote City.

Before farm work gets underway in earnest, a bonten is dedicated to Benten-numa, which has supplied the village’s irrigation water.

A distinctive feature is the participation of young and middle-aged adults who married, built a new home, or had a child in the past 1 year.

The observance carries prayers for a good harvest and safety at home, and reflects the close ties between water and local life.

Source: 国指定文化財等データベース

Festival highlights

The highlight is the moment when participants enter Benten-numa and place the bonten in a designated spot as an offering.

The bonten dedicated here is also called a “tawara-bonten,” and the distinctive practice of carrying it into the pond has been passed down.

It is said to closely resemble the scene described in Sugae Masumi’s “Yuki no Dewaji,” and is regarded as an observance that preserves an old custom.

An old-style pond-entry observance in Arasuke, with a bonten dedicated at Benten-numa

What to expect

During the observance, local young and middle-aged adults make their way together to Benten-numa and enter the pond.

Participants carry the bonten to an approximately predetermined spot, set it in the pond, and dedicate it.

Participants include people who married in the past 1 year, built a new home, or had a child, among others.

Before farm work begins, villagers who rely on the blessings of water pray for a good harvest and safety at home.

How to take part

Those who take part in the event are described as young and middle-aged local people who, during the past year, have newly married, built a house, welcomed a child, or had a similar life event.

For this reason, whether general visitors can enter the marsh or take part in the bonten offering must be confirmed individually.

It is also a good idea to ask the organizers before the event whether viewing only is possible and whether areas or locations for spectators will be designated on the day.

The offering is made by young and middle-aged people who, during the past year, have newly married, built a house, welcomed a child, or meet similar criteria.

No information is provided about where to apply, deadlines, or what to bring if you wish to take part, so please check with the Arasato-numa-iri Bonten Preservation Society or the relevant municipal board of education.

As the event involves entering the marsh, please also confirm in advance whether spectators can enter the same area as participants.

Location and access

Venue and address: Benten-numa (Arasuke, Daigo, Yokote City)

Source: 遺跡情報検索結果 | 秋田県遺跡地図情報

Event venue 秋田県横手市弁天沼

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

The event is usually open to the public on May 1.

農作業が本格化する時期に先がけて行われる行事です。

If you plan to attend as a spectator, please confirm in advance whether the event will be held and how access will work.

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写真：Ocavis Leechroot / CC BY 3.0(resized and reformatted)

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Origins and History of Arasuke-numa-iri Bonten Observance

The Arasuke-numa-iri Bonten observance is an annual event passed down in Arasuke, Daigo, Yokote City.

The custom of using a bonten as a yorishiro, a vessel for a deity, is found throughout Japan; this observance has preserved the practice of dedicating a bonten at Benten-numa, which has supported the area’s irrigation.

The dedication in the pond resembles the scene described in Sugae Masumi’s “Yuki no Dewaji” and is regarded as an observance that retains an old style.

In 1983, it was selected as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property for which measures such as record creation should be undertaken.

Official information

The Database of National Cultural Properties introduces the name and details of the Arasuke-numa-iri Bonten observance, its public date, and its preservation group.

The preservation group is listed as the “Arasuke-numa-iri Bonten Preservation Society,” and the observance’s cultural significance is also documented.

For information about whether the event will take place and how to view it, visitors are advised to contact the relevant municipal board of education or other authorities before the event.