Photo report of the Hyakushika Daigun Dance (April 26, 2025: Hidaka Fire Prevention Festival) [Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture]

What is the Hundred Deer Dance?

"Hyakushika Daigunbu" is a grand performance of "Shishiodori," a folk art passed down mainly in the Date and Nanbu domains during the feudal period. It began in 1985 to commemorate the opening of Mizusawa-Esashi Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen line, as a grand performance in which Shishiodori groups from within the former Esashi city area gathered together, transcending different schools and styles.

The spectacular performance, in which approximately 100 dancers dance in unison, has been highly praised, and in 2022 it received the "Regional Traditional Performing Arts Grand Prize for Utilization" from the Regional Traditional Performing Arts Utilization Center

generallythe "Taiko Odori style,"wear headdresses resembling deer antlers and dance while beating drums attached to their waists. They sway the long "sasara" (bamboo rattles) they wear on their backs and incorporate deer-like movements at key points in their dance, creating a performance that is both charming and magnificent, captivating the audience.

The Oshu City Esashi Deer Dance Preservation Society, the organization that runs the Hyakushika Daigun Dance, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year

The Hyakushika Daigunbu, which requires the mobilization of many groups and individuals, was basically only performed within the Esashi area and could only be seen at the "Esashi Jinku Festival" in May and the "Michinoku Urabon Festival" in August each year

However, this time, in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the "Oshu City Esashi Shika Odori Preservation Society," the organization that operates the Hyakushika Daigunbu dance , the performance will be held at the "Hitaka Hibuse Matsuri," a festival in the Mizusawa area

Incidentally, this year it was exceptionally performed at the finale of the closing events for the Esashi Gymnasium and Cultural Center (Sasara Hall), which closed at the end of March 2025 (Reiwa 7)

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

Date and Nanbu folk performing art "Shishiodori" | Sasara Hall closure project on-site report [Iwate Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/39784

One day in March, while browsing X, I came across this post from the Kanazu School Pumice Shishiodori Preservation Society. It's only two weeks away. This is the last chance to see the lion dance at Sasara Hall. There's no "next time" for this performance, so please come and see us at the venue! 🦁#EsashiShishiodori#SasaraHall pic.twitter.com/Uiv8yYKLwz— Kanazu School Pumice Shishiodori Preservation Society (@hirosekaruishi) March 8, 2025 I've always wanted to see the folk art of deer dancing live. Furthermore, because Sasara Hall is closing, the post read, "This performance will never happen again." If you miss this chance, there will never be another chance...

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Photo report of the Hyakushika Dance at the Hidaka Fire Prevention Festival

The best way to appreciate the power of the Hundred Deer Dance is to see it in person, but I've posted as many photos as possible to convey the atmosphere as best I can. I hope I can convey even a little of the excitement of being there!

Aoiwa

Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs