Yubara Shrine Shiki Sanban

About this event

This is a Noh and Kyogen performance dedicated at Yubara Shrine in Usuda, praying for world peace and an abundant harvest for the year. It is performed by three roles: 'Senzai' as the herald, 'Okina' who wears a white old man mask, and 'Sanbaso' who appears unmasked and dons a black mask during the performance. As an intangible folk cultural property of the prefecture with a history of over 250 years, it has been dedicated continuously without missing a single year. Based on the Noh piece 'Okina' with elements of Kyogen and Dengaku added to form a sacred ritual performing art, its chorus and instruments also conform to the Noh format. The Shiki Sanban of Yubara Shrine faithfully conveys its authentic form, strictly handing down a classical and dignified artistic style. The order of performance consists of 'Okina-no-Mai,' 'Senzai-no-Mai,' 'Jo-no-Mai,' 'Momidashi-no-Mai,' and 'Suzu-no-Dan.' 'Okina-no-Mai' is solemn while 'Jo-no-Mai' is a light, lively dance, offering contrasting performances to enjoy. In 'Suzu-no-Dan,' Sanbaso dances holding a bell and a fan, exorcising and suppressing evil spirits on the ground and in the sky, scattering wicked spirits that harm villagers, and praying for abundant crops. Dancing frantically in a state of unity between deity and human seems to carry on the tradition of tamafuri seen in ancient soul-pacifying rituals, offering a glimpse into the gestures of tamafuri through divine and mystical movements.

Venue

Yubara Shrine

327 Yubara, Saku, Nagano 384-0307