Mushiokuri Dance

The Kanokobara Mushiokuri Dance is a folk event passed down in the Kanokobara settlement of Yagami, Ōnan Town. Led by a Sanemori figure, the procession travels through the community with dancing to the sounds of , flutes, and bells, and concludes with a offering at Suwa Shrine. It is traditionally described as a ritual to send away harmful insects and pray for a bountiful harvest.

About Mushiokuri Dance

The Kanokobara Mushiokuri Dance is a folk event passed down in the Kanokobara settlement of Yagami, Ōnan Town, and is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shimane Prefecture.

Its origins are unclear, but it is said to have continued for more than 200 years without interruption, even during wartime, with every household in the settlement becoming a member.

Every year on July 20, at the start of Doyō, the procession sets out from Miho Ryō Shrine, travels through the community, and makes a hono offering at Suwa Shrine at the end.

Source: 邑南のお宝（石見地域） - 邑南町ホームページ（学びのまち推進課）

Festival highlights

Highlights include a procession led by a straw figure of Sanemori, and dancing accompanied by overlapping sounds of taiko, flutes, bells, and singing.

The large dance features 12 types performed by 6 large-taiko players, while the small dance features 3 types performed by 9 people, including small-taiko players.

The event’s distinctive flow also includes performances in the shopping district and at public facilities, followed by a hono offering in the grounds of Suwa Shrine.

A traditional Ōnan event that sends away harmful insects with taiko and dance and prays for a good harvest

What to expect

The event begins at Miho Ryō Shrine, and the procession proceeds with the Sanemori figure, paper strips, flower hats, and other items.

The large and small dances are performed to the accompaniment of taiko, flutes, bells, and singing, and the procession travels through shopping districts and public facilities.

Performing all the dances takes nearly 1 hour, but depending on the location and conditions, the program may be shortened to around 15 to 30 minutes.

Source: 鹿子原(かねこばら)の虫送り踊り | 邑南町観光協会-島根県邑南町（しまねけんおおなんちょう）-

Location and access

Venue and address: Miho Ryō Shrine, Suwa Shrine, and other locations / Yagami, Ōnan Town, Ōchi District, Shimane Prefecture

Address 〒696-0103 Yagami, Ōnan Town, Ōchi District, Shimane Prefecture

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Dates and season

Season: Every year on July 20
Frequency: Every year

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Origins and History of Mushiokuri Dance

Mushiokuri is traditionally described as a ritual to pray for a bountiful harvest: harmful insects that damage the rice are gathered and sent away to the village boundary amid sounds.

There is also a legend that the spirit of the Heike warrior Saitō Bettō Sanemori became harmful insects after he tripped over a rice-stubble stump and was executed; the event is also regarded as a ritual to comfort his spirit.

The event in Kanokobara is said to combine these two traditions, and has continued for more than 200 years.

Official information

The Ōnan Town Tourism Association introduces the “Kanokobara Mushiokuri Dance.”

For inquiries, contact the Ōnan Town Tourism Association (TEL 0855-83-1010).