Otani Taiko Drum Dance

Active

Category Name:Furyu (Mortar Drum Dance)

This is a local art form that has been handed down in the Otani district of Youra. It is a type of Usu-daiko dance from the Kuma region. (young men dance carrying drums strapped to their chests), inherited by the eldest son of the district, and is dedicated at the Youra Aso Shrine Grand Festival on August 15th and October 19th, Bon Festival. The dances include the Kashira-odori, the Kon-odori and the Michi-daiko drums. In particular, there is a tradition that families who are celebrating Hatsubon (the first Bon festival since a relative's death) on the 15th of August will join the dance circle holding incense sticks to pray for the souls of the deceased. In recent years, due to the depopulation and aging of the population, dancers could not be secured and the dance has not been performed at the shrine festival in October.

Municipality

Sagara Village

Category

Furyu (Mortar Drum Dance)

Specific Location

Youra Otani, Sagara Village

Cultural Property Designation

Sagara Village Intangible Folk Cultural Property, 21 January 1987

Performance Date(s)

August 15October 19 (currently inactive)

Performance Location

Otani District Community Center, Hatsukami Youra Aso Shrine

Preservation Society

Otani Drum Dance Preservation Society