Hiyoshi Shrine: Shuhaira (Ten Directions Worship) and Niwa no Mai

About this event

This is a sacred Shinto ritual and performing art dedicated during the grand festival held once every two years at Hiyoshi Shrine in the Uragou district of Nishinoshima Town, Shimane Prefecture. Hiyoshi Shrine has a history dating back to the Kamakura period, originating when the Mano clan, who relocated from Omi Province, enshrined their clan deity here. The "Niwa no Mai" and "Shuhaira" dedicated at this festival are precious traditions designated as National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties in 1992, alongside the Shuhaira of Mita Hachiman Shrine. The Niwa no Mai of Hiyoshi Shrine is believed to have been transmitted approximately 800 years ago when Mano Sogen, lord of Manosho in Koga District, Omi Province, fled to Oki to escape warfare, and it is a unique performance art not found in other regions. From its lyrics, it is inferred that elements of Yamato Mai blended into the ancient song and dance "Azuma Asobi" and became fixed in form. Shuhaira is performed by 12 dancers and is believed to have originated as a ritual to appease the spirits of the rice fields. Passed down continuously through a long history, it is filled with profound highlights unique to this tradition.

Venue

Hiyoshi Shrine

165 Uragou, Nishinoshima, Oki District, Shimane 684-0211