Tsushima Mitsushima Bon Odori

A traditional passed down in settlements throughout Mitsushima Town, Tsushima City, distinguished by its striking formation of two parallel lines. A variety of dances accompanied by drums and songs, along with props such as fans and ayatake bamboo, enliven the local Bon celebrations.

About Tsushima Mitsushima Bon Odori

Tsushima Mitsushima Bon Odori is a fūryū dance passed down in settlements throughout Mitsushima Town, Tsushima City, primarily during the Urabon-e season.

The dances are performed as a way to comfort the spirits of ancestors, with shrines, temples, and the gardens of homes serving as venues.

A distinctive feature is the use of elaborate costumes, decorations, props, and musical instruments, and the dancers form two parallel lines rather than the circle typical of Bon Odori.

Source: 「対馬の盆踊」について／対馬市 / 長崎県の文化財

Festival highlights

A highlight is watching around 6 to 12 dancers form two parallel lines and move to the accompaniment of drums and singers.

In “Shugen,” dancers perform hand and foot movements, use fans, and hold a low posture with bent knees to a distinctive melody.

There are also prop dances using items such as ayatake bamboo, naginata polearms, and staffs, as well as staged dances that portray stories. You can enjoy traditional songs and dances that vary from settlement to settlement.

The Bon season in Mitsushima, carried on through dances in two lines and lively music

What to expect

Dancers line up in two rows and perform to music and songs accompanied by drums, flutes, gongs, and other instruments.

Tradition holds that the program begins with “Shugen,” followed by several other dances.

In some areas, dancers carry an elaborately decorated bamboo branch called an “Ezuri” at the front of the procession as they head to the dance venue. Afterwards, it is either floated down a river or placed in a designated location.

Source: 国指定文化財等データベース

How to take part

必要人数：6～12人ほど

Location and access

Venue and address: The dances take place at shrines, temples, and in the gardens of homes in settlements throughout Mitsushima Town, Tsushima City.

Event venue 長崎県対馬市対馬市美津島町の各集落にある社寺や家々の庭先

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

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Dates and season

Traditionally, it has been passed down in each settlement, mainly from day 14 of lunar month 7 to the 15th, during the time of the Urabon-e observances.

Records from the Minokata district describe events spanning several days of the old lunar calendar, from the start of practice through the main performance to the final Sougan-hodoki.

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写真：Ackeyyama / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Origins and History of Tsushima Mitsushima Bon Odori

Tsushima’s Bon Odori has ancient origins and is said to date back to the Nenbutsu dances of the Muromachi period.

There was a period when the dance in Mitsushima was performed mainly by the eldest sons of long-established families in each settlement. Dancers were taught strict rules and proper conduct.

It was close to dying out in the 1930s, but gradually revived thereafter. It is now subject to documentation and preservation as a folk performing art connected to local society and customs.

Official information

Tsushima City’s cultural heritage guide introduces Tsushima’s Bon Odori as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

The National Register of Cultural Properties database lists the dance as “Tsushima Mitsushima Bon Odori” and names the Mitsushima Bon Odori Preservation Association as its preservation group.