Niwa no Mai Dance of Hiyoshi Shrine

About this event

This is a festival ritual dedicated at Hiyoshi Shrine in October of even-numbered calendar years, consisting of three parts: 'Niwa no Mai' (Garden Dance), 'Kami no Sumo' (Sacred Sumo), and 'Dengaku'. It is said that this Niwa no Mai was passed down 800 years ago when Mano Sogen, lord of Mano Manor in Koka District of Omi Province, fled war to Oki. While performing arts called Niwa no Mai are not found in other regions, based on its lyrics it is believed to have been established by blending elements of Yamato Mai into 'Azuma Asobi' (ancient singing and dancing performed to folk songs of the eastern provinces, which is still dedicated today at ceremonies such as the Imperial Ancestor Festivals in the Imperial Court). In 1992 (Heisei 4), it was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. It is characterized by an archaic dance performed by six dancers dressed in samurai eboshi headgear and white noshi robes. In addition, in 'Kami no Sumo', two boys wearing black shimekomi loincloths stand before the sacred seat, bowing in worship and circling the worship hall three times. In 'Jippo Hairei', a dance is performed while playing the binzasara, tsuzumi hand drum, and surizasara.

Venue

Hiyoshi Shrine

165 Urago, Nishinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane 684-0211