Demons, maidens, and a traditional local dance with lively music to give thanks to the gods
The Shonai Kagura is a traditional dance performed regularly in the town of Shonai, Oita. The dance is a part of the yearly Shonai Festival, which began in 1990 and is held on November 3.
The Shonai Kagura is a vibrant and energetic dance that is performed by 12 groups. The dancers use whistles and drums to create a fast and lively rhythm. The dance is accompanied by sacred dances called Fukayama-ryu kagura and Inuyama-ryu kagura, performed by one of two kagura schools, Shonai and Asono. The Shonai Kagura is a unique and immersive experience that allows visitors to experience the local culture and traditions of the town.
To get to the festival, visitors can take a train and then a short taxi ride. The festival is held at Kagura-den, which is about five minutes by taxi from Onoya Station. Onoya Station is accessible on the JR Kyudai main line from Oita, Yufuin, and other major cities. The festival is easily accessible and attracts visitors from all over japan and beyond.
The Shonai Kagura dance has a long and rich history. It is believed to have originated in 1778 as an offering from the local shrine priests to the gods. The dance has been passed down through generations and has become an integral part of the town’s culture and identity. The Shonai Kagura is just one of many different types of kagura dances that can be found throughout Japan.
The Shonai Kagura is a visual spectacle, with dancers dressed in vibrant costumes and masks representing demons and maidens. The dance is accompanied by traditional flutes and drums, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. The dancers move with precision and grace, telling stories through their movements. The Shonai Kagura is a celebration of Japan’s rich cultural heritage and is a must-see for anyone interested in traditional performing arts.
The Shonai Festival is not only about the Shonai Kagura dance. It also offers visitors the opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions of the town. People from the community actively participate in the festival, showcasing their traditional crafts and food. Visitors can try local delicacies and purchase handmade crafts as souvenirs. The festival is a celebration of the town’s unique heritage and is a great way to immerse oneself in the local culture.
In addition to the Shonai Kagura dance, the festival also features other traditional performing arts. Visitors can watch performances of Fukayama-ryu kagura and Inuyama-ryu kagura, which are sacred dances performed by the Shonai and Asono kagura schools. These dances are deeply rooted in the town’s history and have been passed down through generations. Watching these performances is a unique opportunity to witness the ancient traditions and rituals of the town.
The Shonai Festival is held every year on November 3, attracting visitors from near and far. The festival has become a major event in the town, drawing large crowds and creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The festival is a time for the community to come together and celebrate their shared heritage and traditions. It is a time to give thanks to the gods for the blessings they have bestowed upon the town.
The Shonai Kagura dance and the Shonai Festival are not just a spectacle for tourists. They are an important part of the town’s identity and cultural heritage. The dance and the festival have been passed down through generations, preserving the traditions and rituals of the town. They serve as a reminder of the town’s history and the importance of preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the Shonai Kagura dance and the Shonai Festival are a celebration of Japan’s rich cultural heritage. The dance is a vibrant and energetic display of traditional performing arts, accompanied by lively music and intricate costumes. The festival offers visitors the opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions of the town, with local crafts and food on display. The Shonai Kagura dance and the Shonai Festival are not to be missed for anyone interested in the traditional arts and culture of Japan.
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1400 Shonaicho Otatsu, Yufu-shi, Oita-ken
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