Kamezuka Nerima

About this event

Kamezuka Nerima is a traditional event held in Seiro Town, Niigata Prefecture. It is said to have begun around the 4th year of the Kyoho era (1719), when the village shrine was completely destroyed by fire, as a ritual to ward off misfortune and pray for good health and bountiful harvests. In this ritual, a large sacred rope (Nerima) made of rice straw is dedicated to Suwa Shrine. On the main day, a cherry blossom viewing tea ceremony, a singing and dancing plaza, and food stalls are organized. For a 10-day period before and after the main day, paper lantern bonbori are set up and lit around the lagoon, illuminating the cherry blossoms. In ancient times, it was offered to the shrine to pray for safety, good health, family wellbeing, and rich harvests, and was paraded from house to house; however, it fell into near extinction after dancers disappeared. Around 30 years ago (around 1974), young volunteers revived it under the guidance of village elders, and today it is designated an Intangible Cultural Property of the town. The event is held within the Kamezuka settlement.

Venue

Kamezuka

Kamezuka, Seiro-machi, Kitakanbara-gun, Niigata 957-0104