Kawanishi Nenbutsu Kenbai

A traditional performing art passed down in Koromogawa, Oshu City, where dancers wearing masks and ke-zai perform spirited dances to the sounds of nenbutsu, drums, and flutes.

About Kawanishi Nenbutsu Kenbai

Kawanishi Nenbutsu Kenbai is a nenbutsu dance passed down for approximately 900 years in the Koromogawa district of Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture.

It is said to have been danced to help the souls of those who died in the Former Nine Years’ War and the Later Three Years’ War attain salvation, and there is a custom of chanting nenbutsu before dancing.

This folk performing art belongs to the Oni Kenbai tradition and is also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage element as one of the furyu-odori dances.

Source: 川西大念佛剣舞 | 観光スポット | 岩手県公式観光サイト「いわての旅」

Highlights and activities

The dancers’ headpieces stand out: horsehair tassels made from tail hair and bird tassels made from a chicken’s tail feathers.

Take note of the weighty movements performed to the beat of and flute, with a fan, ayadake bamboo, and sword in hand.

The nenbutsu recited before the dance is intended to honor the ancestors.

Knowing the history of how this art has been passed down as a performance for honoring the dead deepens your appreciation of the dance, alongside its dazzling costumes.

A spirited sword dance passed down in Koromogawa, led by Buddhist chanting and drums

What to expect

At the , they first chant nenbutsu to pray for their ancestors and the souls of the dead, then perform kenbai to the sound of taiko and flute.

The dancers wear masks and ornaments made of horsehair and bird feathers, and perform movements specific to each piece while holding fans, aya bamboo sticks, and swords.

At Chusonji, the dance is offered in conjunction with the Fujiwara Festival and Segaki memorial service. Depending on the piece, it depicts the pacification of vengeful spirits or their guidance to the Pure Land.

How to take part

Anyone interested in taking part as a dancer may inquire, even if they are a beginner.

The preservation society has around 30 members ranging in age from their 20s to their 80s, and hopes to broaden participation.

They also provide instruction at Oshu Municipal Koromo-no-Sato Elementary School and hold trial sessions for those interested.

Those wishing to participate can contact the inquiry desk for Kawanishi Dainenbutsu Kenbai.

Beginners are welcome, and information is also available about trial sessions.

Inquiries about booking performances are also accepted.

Source: 鬼剣舞「川西大念佛剣舞」－ユネスコ無形文化遺産・風流踊

Source: 川西大念仏剣舞保存会が令和6年度地域文化功労者表彰を受賞しました！／奥州市公式ホームページ

Location and access

Venue and address: Chūson-ji Temple, 20 Koromogaseki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi Town, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4102

Address 20 Koromogaseki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi Town, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4102

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Dates and season

In 2026, a hono at Chusonji is scheduled in conjunction with the Spring Fujiwara Festival on May 3, the Segaki memorial service on August 24, and the Autumn Fujiwara Festival on November 3.

These are the dates listed for the annual performances.

Official information

Details of Kawanishi Dainenbutsu Kenbai activities, performance dates, and contact information are available through the preservation society’s official information.

The preservation society is based in Koromogawa, Oshu City, and provides information about performances at Chūson-ji Temple and inquiries from beginners.

参考資料：岩手県観光協会：川西大念佛剣舞