Bon Odori in Yokoyama, Nishinoomote City

Festival highlights

One highlight is the opening scene, in which the role of “Chō,” carrying a bamboo pole decorated for Tanabata, circles the center of the dance area 3 times.

The male role covers his face with a mask called a kamuki, while the female role dances wearing a flower hat.

The contrasting roles created by the masks, flower hats, and Tanabata decorations, along with the quiet movements expressing reverence for the spirits, are characteristic of the dance.

Yokoyama’s quiet Bon Odori, adorned with Tanabata poles and flower hats

What to expect

The dance unfolds in 3 parts: debata, the entrance into the dance area; the main dance; and hikibata, the exit.

In Yokoyama, a Chō carrying a decorated bamboo pole called a Tanabata-zasa joins the procession.

Kudoki songs based on a local tragic love story are also performed, conveying the story and a sense of mourning through song and movement.

Source: 文化遺産データベース

How to take part

This Bon Odori is a traditional performing art presented by a preservation society and local practitioners.

Those wishing to watch can view the dance when it is presented at the venue.

Location and access

Venue and address

Yokoyama Shrine (Yokoyama Jinja) / 5351-1 Nishinoomote, Nishinoomote City, Kagoshima Prefecture

Address 5351-1 Nishinoomote, Nishinoomote City, Kagoshima Prefecture

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Dates and season

Season

The 2nd Sunday of every July

Frequency

Every year

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Origins and History of Bon Odori in Yokoyama, Nishinoomote City

Yokoyama Bon Odori is said to have originated in the Muromachi period.

Later, a story about the tragic love and deaths of Hishijima Kunitaka and Akune Chiyojo, who moved to Yokoyama during the Edo period, was incorporated into the songs and dances.

It is said that the people of Yokoyama came to offer songs and dances mourning the two, especially Chiyojo, and remembering her feelings.

Official information

Kagoshima Prefecture’s information lists Yokoyama Shrine as the venue for the presentation of Yokoyama Bon Odori and gives the Social Education Division of the Nishinoomote City Board of Education as the contact.

The phone number is 0997-23-3215.

Bon Odori in Yokoyama, Nishinoomote City at a Glance

Yokoyama Bon Odori is a dance passed down from the Tanegashima Bon Odori, said to have originated in the Muromachi period, incorporating the tragic love story of Akune Chiyojo.

A Chō carrying tanabata decorations, a male role wearing a kamuki mask, and a female role wearing a flower hat appear. Their quiet movements express reverence for the spirits.

A local traditional performing art presented at Yokoyama Shrine.