Fujii Shrine Festival: Kodomo Sanbaso (Children's Sanbaso Dance)

About this event

Held every year on the second Sunday of October at Fujii Shrine in Yokone-cho, Obu City, Aichi Prefecture, the "Fujii Shrine Festival 'Kodomo Sanbaso'" is a traditional festival designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the city. Continuing since the Edo period, this festival features children as the main performers praying for bountiful harvests. Dressed in glittering eboshi caps and costumes, the children perform the "Sanbaso" dance while repeating movements such as stomping firmly on the earth, rubbing rice ears, and scattering seeds. Originating from Noh and performed in theatrical traditions like Kabuki, this dance is called "Kodomo Sanbaso" (Children's Sanbaso) at Fujii Shrine because it is performed by children, and has been passed down as a locally rooted traditional performing art. At the festival, three gorgeous floats standing up to 6 meters tall also make an appearance, and these are designated as Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Obu City. The floats pulled by three groups—Ishimarugumi, Nakagumi, and Minamigumi—along with the musical accompaniment performed by the children, enliven the festival even more. Under the bright autumn sky, this is a festival filled with highlights, featuring traditional dances and floats that pray for the healthy growth of children and the peace of the local community.

Venue

Fujii Shrine

20 Yokonecho Sosaku, Obu-shi, Aichi 474-0011