Miena’s Bon Odori connects kabuki stories with prayers for ancestors
Miena District Bon Odori Kabuki-kuzushi
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- On the evening of August 15, one month later than the usual date
- Location
- Miena district square
- Area
- Ehime Prefecture・Seiyo City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 25 min–1 h 45 min · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/11/11
This , passed down in Miena, Mikame Town, Seiyo City, includes Kabuki-kuzushi, in which kuchidoki verses draw on kabuki plays, as well as the Miena Fan Dance. While preserving the form of a Bon Odori for honoring ancestral spirits, the tradition of kuchidoki chanting and drumming continues as well.
About Miena District Bon Odori Kabuki-kuzushi
Miena District Bon Odori Kabuki-kuzushi is a Bon Odori passed down in Miena, Mikame Town, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture.
It used to take place on July 15 of the lunar-calendar period, but is now held in the district square on the evening of August 15, one month later.
People also dance with memorial portraits and ihai tablets on their backs for those who died in the district the previous year, preserving the traditional form of Bon Odori for honoring ancestral spirits.
Festival highlights
A highlight is Kabuki-kuzushi, danced to kuchidoki verses based on well-known works such as Chushingura and Yaoya Oshichi.
Costumes matching the different performances have also been preserved.
The Miena Fan Dance has also been passed down, though only a few people are said to be able to perform it completely.
As part of local efforts to sustain the Bon Odori tradition, younger generations are trained in kuchidoki chanting and taiko drumming.
Miena’s Bon Odori connects kabuki stories with prayers for ancestors
What to expect
This Bon Odori takes place at the district square on the evening of August 15, one month later than the usual date.
In Kabuki-kuzushi, dancers move to kuchidoki chants based on stories such as Chushingura and Yaoya Oshichi.
People can also be seen dancing with memorial portraits and ihai tablets on their backs for those who died in the district the previous year. The Miena Fan Dance, taiko drumming, and kuchidoki chants are also being passed down.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Miena district square / Miena, Mikame Town, Seiyo City
Address Miena, Mikame Town, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture
Dates and season
- Season
On the evening of August 15, one month later than the usual date
Accommodation and hotels PR
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Nearby attractions
愛媛県歴史文化博物館
愛媛県西予市にある博物館
開明学校
愛媛県西予市宇和町に建てられた、四国最古の小学校
Origins and History of Miena District Bon Odori Kabuki-kuzushi
The Bon Odori in the Miena district is said to have been brought by Tanimoto Chiyomatsu, who moved there from Kawanoishi (now Honai, Yawatahama City) around Man’en 1 (1860).
It also seems to have been influenced by neighboring Toegō, Akehama Town.
The event, which used to take place on the evening of day 15 of lunar month 7, is now held on August 15, one month later. Even as Bon Odori has declined in many areas, local residents continue to preserve and pass down this tradition.
Official information
Seiyo City’s cultural-property information page, “City-Designated Cultural Property: Miena District Bon Odori Kabuki-kuzushi,” introduces its origins, timing, dances, and preservation efforts.
Miena District Bon Odori Kabuki-kuzushi at a Glance
Miena District Bon Odori Kabuki-kuzushi is an event based on a Bon Odori said to have been brought here around Man’en 1 (1860), and continues the tradition of Kabuki-kuzushi, based on kabuki plays, and the Miena Fan Dance.
The sight of people dancing with memorial portraits and ihai tablets on their backs reflects the Bon Odori’s role in honoring ancestors.
The tradition continues through the cooperation of district residents, including efforts to train performers in kuchidoki chants and taiko drumming.
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
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Article updated: 2026/11/11
