Masuda no Hanatori Odori

Festival highlights

A highlight is the distinctive dance movements, in which swords, sickles, and green bamboo are brought together in crossed patterns.

The performance consists of five sections: “Sai-barai,” “Deha,” “Shudachi,” “Kama-kodachi,” and “Hichimede.”

At the beginning, Nankōin and Zenkyūbō engage in a dialogue exchange, also known as a yamabushi dialogue. The overall progression of the performance, not just the dancing, is distinctive.

Masuda’s traditional performing art, with swords, sickles, and green bamboo crossed together

What to expect

At the festival, the performance begins with “Sai-barai,” followed by dances in the prescribed order of the five sections.

In addition to dances using swords, sickles, and green bamboo, there are also exchanges such as the yamabushi dialogue at the beginning.

After the third dance, they perform the dance to conclude the vows, bringing the festival performances to a close.

Location and access

Address

Ainan

Host municipality 愛媛県愛南町

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

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Dates and season

Season

The 11th day of the old seventh month

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Origins and History of Masuda no Hanatori Odori

Masuda no Hanatori Odori is described as a traditional performing art said to have begun in the Sengoku period.

Cultural property information classifies it as a performing art that further developed the elegance of sword dances, and indicates its relationship to performing arts found in Iyo and Tosa.

In 1972, it was selected as an “intangible folk cultural property for which measures such as the creation of a record should be taken.”

Source: 祭・イベント詳細： 増田花取り踊り｜（一財）都市農山漁村交流活性化機構（まちむら交流きこう）

Official information

The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties introduces Masuda no Hanatori Odori as an “intangible folk cultural property for which measures such as the creation of a record should be taken.”

The preservation group is the Hanatori Odori Preservation Society.

You can also find an overview of the same performing art as an intangible folk cultural property on the Online Cultural Heritage database.

Source: 増田の花取踊 文化遺産オンライン

Masuda no Hanatori Odori at a Glance

Masuda no Hanatori Odori is a traditional Fūryū-aya dance performed at the festival of Takayama Shrine in Masuda, Ainan, Ehime Prefecture.

Its key features are five sections of dance with swords, sickles, and green bamboo crossed together, and the yamabushi dialogue at the beginning.

The performance incorporates prayers for the Takayama deity, memorial services for siblings, and the safety of the community.