Honji Hanagasa Odori

Festival highlights

The main highlight is the large flower hat, with paper cherry blossoms attached to thin strips of split bamboo that hang from the hat almost to the ground.

The sight of dancers wearing flower hats and performing to the accompaniment of drums, gongs, flutes, and short songs has the graceful, colorful character of a traditional courtly dance.

Beginning with a procession, the performance features a total of 24 niwa, divided into 12 Omote-odori niwa, 6 Soto-odori niwa, and 6 Ura-odori niwa.

Source: 「第5回地域伝統芸能まつり」のご案内 - 一般財団法人 地域創造

A traditional performing art of Honji, carried on through the colors of flower hats and the beat of drums

What to expect

The program begins with a procession led by the song leader, followed by drummers, gong players, flutists, and dancers. It then proceeds through Shagiri, Oyama-gakari, Ireha, Koshizoroe, Niwajime, and Niwatsuki.

Next, the dances of Omote-odori, Soto-odori, and Ura-odori are performed in turn, bringing together flower hats, music, and song.

When watching, keeping in mind the structure from the procession through the 24 niwa helps you appreciate the flow of the dance in greater detail.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Address

Kitahiroshima Town

Host municipality 広島県北広島町

This map shows the surrounding area, not the exact venue location.

Open in Google Maps

Dates and season

It is presented on the second Sunday of June each year.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Origins and History of Honji Hanagasa Odori

One account of its origins says it began when Motoharu Kikkawa disguised young men as dancers while attacking Mototsugu Nanjo during the Tensho period.

However, this is presented as one theory of its origins, not as a definitive explanation that attributes its beginnings to a single event.

It was selected as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property in Showa 47, and a preservation association established in Showa 32 has worked to preserve and pass it on.

Source: 平成２７年度広島県地域文化功労者表彰 - 顕彰 | 広島県

Official information

The Honji Hanagasa Odori is a folk performing art listed in the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ National Cultural Properties Database.

The Honji Hanagasa Odori Preservation Association is named as the organization responsible for protecting the tradition, and it has been recognized by Hiroshima Prefecture’s Regional Cultural Contributions Awards for its efforts to preserve and pass it on.

Honji Hanagasa Odori at a Glance

The Honji Hanagasa Odori is a traditional drum dance distinguished by its large flower hats and the resonant sounds of drums, gongs, and flutes.

After the procession, the dances of 24 niwa are performed, and the art form also preserves a distinctive style featuring men dressed as women.

六月第二日曜日に公開される習わしがあります。