Omura no Suko Odori

Festival highlights

Highlights include the distinctive formation of dancers moving around the mai-daiko and the dance, in which old-fashioned songs and musical accompaniment come together.

The performers enter the performance space in a michiyuki procession, set up the kasahoko, and begin singing and dancing to the accompaniment of the ji-daiko.

A flute eventually joins in, the dance becomes hayai-odori, and the movements of the dancers surrounding the mai-daiko change.

The contrast between the kaki-odori dancers in furisode and the mai-daiko performer wearing a moon-ring hat is also striking.

Source: 地域から見る 文化遺産オンライン

Surrounded by the mai-daiko, an old celebratory dance from Suko Town lives on

What to expect

The performance begins with the dancers entering the performance space in a michiyuki procession.

At the performance space, a kasahoko is set up, and the performers sing to the accompaniment of a ji-daiko while the dancers line up with the mai-daiko between them.

At the center, the mai-daiko performer dances while playing the drum on a mat. When a flute joins in partway through, the performance shifts to hayai-odori.

At the end, the dancers circle around the mai-daiko at the center.

Location and access

Venue and address

The performance takes place during Omura City’s autumn festival at Omura Park (1-25 Kushima, Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture).

Source: 大村の郡三踊｜検索詳細｜地域観光資源の多言語解説文データベース

Event venue 長崎県大村市 大村公園で行われる大村市の秋祭り中に上演されます

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Origins and History of Omura no Suko Odori

Suko Odori is said to have been performed, along with Okita Odori and Kuromaru Odori, to celebrate Ōmura Sumitada’s return to Ōmura Castle.

The 3 dances are also said to have been performed inside the castle afterward, and have been passed down in Suko Town.

In the current dance, the mai-daiko represents the lord, while the kaki-odori dancers represent the retainers protecting him.

The lyrics, singing style, and way of playing the drums convey characteristics of old performing arts. The arrangement of the dancers described in early modern documents is also said to have survived to the present day.

Official information

The Omura City official website introduces the structure and origins of the dance passed down in Suko Town under “Suko Odori.”

“Omura no Suko Odori” is also listed in the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ database of nationally designated cultural properties, and an explanation is available on the Cultural Heritage Online website.

Source: 大村の寿古踊 文化遺産オンライン

Omura no Suko Odori at a Glance

Omura no Suko Odori is an old folk performing art passed down in Suko Town, featuring mai-daiko and kaki-odori.

Against the backdrop of a story celebrating the lord’s return, it unfolds through a michiyuki procession, singing, drums, flute, and hayai-odori.

Highlights include the distinctive arrangement, with dancers in furisode, moon-ring hats, and a drum performer dancing at the center.

Accounts differ about when it is held, so if you plan to attend in 2026, you will need to confirm the date.

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