Taiseki Shrine Spring & Ichiba Shrine Festival (Oshika Kabuki)

About this event

Oshika Kabuki is one of the most famous regional kabuki traditions in Japan, preserved to this day in the small village of Oshika, which has a population of about 1,400. During the Edo period, traveling kabuki troupes toured regional areas and introduced kabuki to farmers; in some villages, kabuki took root, and locals formed their own troupes to continue staging performances. Oshika Kabuki holds two regular performances a year: in spring on May 3 at Taiseki Shrine, and in autumn on the third Sunday of October at the Ichiba Shrine stage. Admission is free, though it is customary to toss wrapped money offerings (ohineri) in appreciation of the actors' performances. The kabuki performance lasts about 4 hours. No reservations are needed, and seating is essentially on a first-come, first-served basis. A brief English explanation is also provided. At the venue, spectators can enjoy the ancient style of watching theater outdoors surrounded by nature while laying out straw mats, sharing drinks, and eating festive meals. There are about 30 plays in the repertoire, including 'Rokusenryo Gojitsu no Bunsho: Shigetada Yakata no Dan,' which features the Kamakura warrior Hatakeyama Shigetada—a sequel to the Tale of the Heike said to be performed exclusively in Oshika Village. This kabuki has been staged at the National Theatre and overseas, and was featured in the movie 'Someday' (Oshika-mura Sodoki), the final film of actor Yoshio Harada. Local women also perform as actors and assist with makeup, keeping the tradition alive as an entire united community.

Venue

Taiseki Shrine

3402 Ogawara, Oshika-mura, Shimoina-gun, Nagano 399-3502