Festival

[Iwate Prefecture] Enjoy the Morioka Sansa Odori Festival! Introducing the highlights and how to enjoy the festival, which is being held for the first time in three years

  • Naka Naka
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Image provided by: Morioka Sansa Dance Executive Committee

From August 1st to 4th, the Morioka Sansa Dance, Iwate's representative summer festival, will be held for the first time in three years!

"I want to go see the Sansa Dance to make some summer memories!"
"What are the highlights of the Sansa Dance?"

For those of you wondering, this time we will introduce the highlights and how to enjoy the Sansa Dance from the perspective of someone who has participated in it before.

Powerful drumming! You'll be glued to the parade!

Photo courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee

The highlight of the Morioka Sansa Odori is undoubtedly the spectacular parade

You'll be captivated by the overwhelming number of Japanese drums, so many that it's called "10,000 drums," and the lively dancers!
The sound of the drums resonating in unison across the summer night sky will vibrate deep within your body, passionately enlivening Tohoku's short summer.

Here are some points in the parade that you should pay particular attention to.

Gorgeous costumes

  • The five-colored
    waistband visible around the waist is made up of five colors: red, light blue, pink, purple, and yellow.
    It flutters and sways with every movement, making the dance even more dynamic.
  • The flower hats and floral decorations
    are a tradition that originates from the time when the people of Morioka, who had been tormented by evil demons, finally achieved their long-held goal of defeating the demons and offered lotus flowers to their ancestors to report the arrival of a peaceful era.

    Currently, peony flowers are used as the motif instead of lotus flowers.

    In addition to the flower hats, many participants wear flower-themed hair ornaments, and some can be seen dancing adorned with magnificent fresh flowers.
Photo courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee

Choreography filled with hospitality

The choreography of the Morioka Sansa Dance incorporates unique movements that keep you captivated.
The gesture of flapping hands above the head while chanting "Sansa-sa, Sansa-sa" is somehow endearing, and the joy of the dancers seems to be conveyed to the audience.

Photo courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee

Among the many unique and distinctive movements in the Sansa dance choreography, the bowing motion is particularly noteworthy.
There is a scene where not only the dancers but also the drummers and flutists bow in unison towards the street lining the streets while dancing. This
gesture, filled with a spirit of hospitality towards the audience, reveals a uniquely Japanese politeness and beauty.

You won't be able to take your eyes off the beauty and grace of Miss Sansa Odori's dance

Photo courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee

At the Morioka Sansa Dance Festival, the "Miss Sansa Dancers" add a touch of glamour to the parade and enliven the festival.
Their dancing is elegant and graceful, with every movement, down to their fingertips, controlled with precision.
It's impossible to take your eyes off their beautiful dancing.

Behind Miss Sansa Odori is a group called the "Sansa Taiko Ren," consisting of "Miss Taiko," "Miss Yokobue," and "Utakko Musume."
The moment Miss Taiko raises her drumsticks high is the perfect photo opportunity.
Her gaze, fixed firmly on the tip of the drumstick, is beautiful.

Photo courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee

The connoisseur's way of enjoying "Ichihachi"

Paying attention to the unsung hero of the Sansa Dance, the Ippachi, will make you a Sansa Dance expert.
The Ippachi are the clown-like dancers wearing Hyottoko masks who lead each group.
They play a vital role in energizing the group and making the performance more enjoyable for the audience.

The person who is the best dancer in the group is often chosen

Pay attention to the traditional Sansa festival that has continued since the days of the Nanbu clan

The Sansa dance, which has been performed in Morioka City and the surrounding areas for over 300 years, is called "Traditional Sansa," and currently 19 Traditional Sansa preservation groups are registered as designated intangible folk cultural properties by Iwate Prefecture and Morioka City.

The costumes and choreography differ from region to region, and it is characterized by a faster tempo and more complex movements than the Sansa dance seen in parades.

During the festival, a "Traditional Sansa Dance Competition" is held every day at a sub-venue, and dynamic dances from each region are performed before and after the parade

Photo courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee

Dance and have fun

While it's possible for individuals to participate in the Sansa Dance parade, this year it was by pre-registration only, and applications are already closed.
Also, the "ring dance" that usually takes place after the parade and allows impromptu participation will unfortunately not be held due to COVID-19 precautions.

The Morioka Sansa Dance Executive Committee's website has videos showing how to do the Sansa dance, so if you practice the dance at home beforehand, you're sure to enjoy the parade even more on the day itself.

2022 Morioka Sansa Odori Festival Schedule and Venue Access

The Morioka Sansa Odori will be held on the same dates as usual in 2022, but please note that there will be some changes to the event content in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19

This year, there will be no paid seating, but the free viewing area along the route will be larger than usual, so you should be able to watch safely while avoiding crowds.

For other changes and the parade timetable,the Morioka Sansa Dance Executive Committeewebsite.

Morioka Sansa Dance <Information>

Main Venue

Location: Chuo-dori, Morioka City
Access: 15-20 minute walk from Morioka Station
Hours: 6 PM - 9 PM
During the event period, you can watch Miss Sansa Dance, traditional Sansa dances, and group parades by participating organizations every day. The
"World's Best Taiko Drum Parade," composed solely of taiko drummers from each participating group, will be held only on August 4th.

Google Map

Sub-venue

Location: Morioka Civic Culture Hall (Marios)
Access: 3-minute walk from Morioka Station
Date and Time: 13:00 - 16:15
The "Traditional Sansa Dance Competition" is held every day during the event period.

Google Map

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