About this event
On Sunday, August 23, 2026, the 'Takinomiya Nembutsu Odori' will be performed and dedicated at Takinomiya Shrine (from 8:00) and Takinomiya Tenmangu Shrine (from 11:00) in Ayagawa Town, Ayauta District, Kagawa Prefecture. This dance is said to have been choreographed by Priest Honen, who was exiled to Sanuki Province for 10 months, and is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. In addition, it is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list alongside the Gujo Odori and others as a 'Furyu-odori', and is said to be the origin of 'Nembutsu Odori' remaining throughout the country. According to folklore, it began when Sugawara no Michizane, serving as governor of Sanuki Province, had his prayer for rain answered during the severe drought of Ninna 4 (888), leading overjoyed residents to dance before Takinomiya Shrine (then Gozu Tenno Shrine). It is also said that people later began chanting the Nembutsu to comfort the deceased spirit of Sugawara no Michizane. It is believed to have come to be called 'Nembutsu Odori' because people began dancing while chanting the Nembutsu, though this is not certain. In terms of performance style, roles such as the coordinator (sewayaku), commander (gechiyaku), child dancers (kodori), outer gongs (sotogane), flutes, big drums, small hand drums, conch shells, and prayer-fulfillment roles (ganjojuyaku) form a procession, demonstrate roadside arts, and march into the shrine. At the signal of the gechiyaku waving a large round fan, and following the call of the Nembutsu 'Nabbaidoya' ('Namuamidoya') by the ganjojuyaku, they dance by leaping in rhythm with the musical accompaniment. Three of the 11 dancing groups in Ayagawa Town, Ayauta District, perform dedications each year; in addition, a 'Soodori' in which all 11 groups perform is held once every five years, and the 'Sakamoto Nembutsu' from Hiyama Town, Marugame City, is specially dedicated once every three years.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Takinomiya Tenmangu Shrine
1314 Takinomiya, Ayagawa, Ayauta District, Kagawa 761-2305
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