
Photo report of the Hyakushika Daigun Dance (April 26, 2025: Hidaka Fire Prevention Festival) [Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture]
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What is the Hundred Deer Dance?
"Hyakushika Daigunbu"a folk art passed down mainly in the Date and Nanbu domains during the feudal period."Shishiodori,"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 itthe "Regional Traditional Performing Arts Grand Prize for Utilization"received
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 andthe "Esashi Jinku Festival"in Augustthe "Michinoku Urabon Festival"could only be seen at

However, this time,"Oshu City Esashi Shika Odori Preservation Society," the organization that operates the Hyakushika Daigunbu dancein commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the"Hitaka Hibuse Matsuri,"the performance will be held at
which closed at the end of March 2025 (Reiwa 7)the Esashi Gymnasium and Cultural Center (Sasara Hall),it was exceptionally performed at the finale of the closing events for
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!























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