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Morioka Sansa Odori, Iwate's representative summer festival, will be held for the first time in three years over four days from August 1st to 4th!
"I want to go see the Sansa Odori as a summer memory!" "What are the highlights of the Sansa Odori?"
For those of you who are wondering, this time we will introduce the highlights and how to enjoy the festival from the perspective of someone who has participated in the Sansa Odori.
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 mesmerized by the overwhelming number of Japanese drums, so numerous that they are called "10,000 drums," and the dancers' light-hearted dancing! The sound of the drums ringing out in unison in the summer night sky resonates deep within your body, passionately enlivening the short Tohoku summer.
Here are some points in the parade that you should pay particular attention to.
Gorgeous costumes
The five-colored sash that can be seen around the waist is red, light blue, peach, purple, and yellow. It flutters with every movement, making the dance even more dynamic.
The bright vermilion flower hats originate from the custom of the people of Morioka, who were once tormented by evil spirits, to present their ancestors with lotus flowers when they finally achieved their long-cherished wish of defeating the demons, and to report the arrival of a peaceful world.
Nowadays, the motif is peony flowers instead of lotus flowers.
In addition to the flower hats, many participants also wear flower-motif hair ornaments, and some can be seen dancing with gorgeous fresh flowers adorning their hair.
Photo courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee
Choreography filled with hospitality
The choreography of Morioka Sansa Odori incorporates unique movements that are never boring to watch. The dancers' gestures of fluttering their hands above their heads while chanting "San sa sa, San sa sa" are somehow cute, and the enjoyment they are feeling is conveyed to the audience.
Photo courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee
Among the unique choreography of the Sansa Odori, one movement that is particularly noteworthy is the "bow." There is a scene where not only the dancers but also the drummers and flute players all bow to the roadside while dancing. This gesture, which is filled with the spirit of hospitality towards the audience, shows the politeness and beauty that are unique to the Japanese.
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 Odori Festival, Miss Sansa Odori is the highlight of the parade, livening up the festival. The way she dances, with every fiber of her being in full focus, right down to her fingertips, is elegant and graceful. You won't be able to take your eyes off her beautiful dancing form.
Behind Miss Sansa Odori, there is a group called the Sansa Taiko Ren, consisting of Miss Taiko, Miss Yokobue, and Utakko Musume. The moment Miss Taiko raises her drumstick high in the air is the perfect photo opportunity. The way she gazes intently at the tip of her drumstick is beautiful.
Photo courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee
The connoisseur's way of enjoying "Ichihachi"
You can call yourself a Sansa Odori connoisseur if you pay attention to the unsung hero of Sansa Odori, the Ippachi. Ippachi is a clownish dancer wearing a Hyottoko mask who sits at the front of each group. He plays the role of livening up the group, energizing them and making the audience enjoy the show even more.
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
Sansa Odori, which has been performed in Morioka city and the surrounding area for over 300 years, is known as "Traditional Sansa," and currently 19 traditional Sansa preservation groups have been registered as designated intangible folk cultural properties by Iwate prefecture and Morioka city.
Costumes and choreography vary by region, and the Sansa Odori is characterized by a faster tempo and more complex movements than the Sansa Odori 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
Individuals can participate in the Sansa Odori parade, but this year's registration system has already closed. Furthermore, the "circle dance" that takes place after the parade, which allows people to join in on the spot, will unfortunately not be held due to COVID-19 prevention measures.
The Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee 's website has a video on how to dance the Sansa Odori, so if you practice the dance at home, you're sure to enjoy the parade even more on the day.
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 areas along the road will be larger than usual, so you can watch the parade in peace without crowding.
Location: Chuo-dori, Morioka City Access: 15-20 minutes on foot from Morioka Station Opening hours: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM During the event, you can watch the Miss Sansa Dance, traditional Sansa, and group parades by general participating groups every day. The "World's Greatest Taiko Parade," which consists only of drummers from each participating group, will only be held on August 4th.
Google Map
Sub-venue
Location: Morioka Civic Cultural Hall (Marios) Access: 3-minute walk from Morioka Station Event dates and times: 13:00-16:15 During the event, a "Traditional Sansa Dance Competition" is held every day.
Thank you for reading the article. I'm naka, a writer born and raised in Tohoku. His hobby is visiting temples and shrines. Her goshuin is now in its third volume. We bring you the latest information and deep topics from Tohoku that only locals can provide!
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