Osumi Hayato Dance

About this event

The Osumi Hayato Dance is a ritual dance dedicated in the evening of October 14 every year at Tsukiyomi Shrine and Amatsu Shrine in Osumi, Kyotanabe City. It originates from the history of people who migrated from the Osumi region of Kyushu approximately 1,300 years ago to serve the imperial court by performing palace guard duties and performing arts at Heijo Palace. In 1971, centered around the local people of the Osumi district, it was reconstructed based on the Hayato Dance passed down in Kagoshima Prefecture, and was designated an intangible folk cultural property of Kyotanabe City in 1975. Passed down to the present day, this dance consists of 6 parts. Gods are welcomed with the "Oharai no Mai" (Purification Dance), summoned with the "Kamimaneki no Mai" (God Summoning Dance), and impurities are dispelled while demonstrating the bravery of the Hayato with the "Furitsurugi no Mai" (Sword Brandishing Dance). Furthermore, evil spirits are fended off with the "Tatebuse no Mai" (Shield Lowering Dance), a rich hunting harvest is prayed for with the "Yumi no Mai" (Bow Dance), and gratitude is shown to the gods with the "Taimatsu no Mai" (Torch Dance). Dancers dressed in ancient costumes performing to the sounds of drums and ryuteki flutes evoke a deep sense of history and tradition.

Venue

Tsukiyomi Shrine

31-31 Osumi Ikehira, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0343