Soga Ujigami Shrine Kami-odori

Festival highlights

The highlight is watching a dozen or so boys aged 5 to 12 dance while playing shime-daiko drums to the lead singer’s song.

The dance includes pieces such as “Iriha,” “Shiki,” “Goshiki,” “Oyagata,” “Sekka” and “Kaneiri.”

The program is arranged as the performers move between the host’s home, the shrine sanctuary, the dance area and Jodoji Temple, bringing the singing, drums and dance together in a unified performance.

Ishii Town’s chigo Kami-odori, enlivened by song and shime-daiko drums

What to expect

The event begins with four pieces danced at the host’s home, followed by five pieces offered at the shrine sanctuary.

At the dance area, the pieces are chosen freely. Finally, at Jodoji Temple, the performers dance “Iriha,” “Shiki,” “Goshiki” and “Kaneiri” to conclude the event.

This traditional performing art is distinguished by its sequence and locations, with children dancing and playing shime-daiko drums to the lead of a single adult singer.

Location and access

Venue and address

Soga Ujigami Shrine (Ishii, Ishii Town, Myozai District, Tokushima Prefecture)

Source: opendata.pref.tokushima.lg.jp

Event venue 徳島県石井町 曽我氏神社

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

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Dates and season

Season

The 20th and 21st days of the seventh month of the old lunar calendar

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Origins and History of Soga Ujigami Shrine Kami-odori

According to cultural property information, on November 5, 1973 it was selected as an “intangible folk cultural property for which measures such as the preparation of records should be undertaken.”

Today, it is recognized as a typical example of the Kami-odori dances found in the Awa region, with historical value as a performing art that includes distinctive songs and melodies.

Official information

The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties provides information on the name, location, content, repertoire and cultural-property selection status of the Soga Ujigami Shrine Kami-odori.

Soga Ujigami Shrine Kami-odori at a Glance

The Soga Ujigami Shrine Kami-odori is a chigo-style furyu dance offered at the summer festival of Soga Ujigami Shrine in Ishii, Ishii Town.

To the lead singer’s song, a dozen or so boys aged 5 to 12 dance while playing shime-daiko drums, proceeding from the host’s home to the shrine sanctuary, the dance area and Jodoji Temple.

It is a typical example of the Kami-odori dances of the Awa region, and its songs and melodies also have regional characteristics.