Search
Close this search box.
Saisai, Akita Dance Song, and Nagamochi Song

Location: Kami-Jinego, Chokai-machi, Yurihonjo City
Site(s) of performance: Gassan Shrine and other places in the community
Date(s): 1st Saturday of September
Category: Furyū
At the annual festival of the local shrine of Jinego, chests (nagamochi) are offered to the shrine with offerings in them. Nagamochi song is an a cappella song to be sung while the procession of chest holders goes around the community. Nagamochi songs are sung without accompanying music and allow phrases ad libitum. Saisai and Sword Music are played with big drums, Japanese flutes, and gongs. The players ride on a float, which follows the procession of chest holders. That Saisai and Sword Music are more jovial and sung with hand gestures, and were probably established by the combination of festival music of the Ogachi region and the Gion music of the Kyoto area, which was brought here through prosperous Innai Silver Mine, with which Jinego had close contacts. Akita Dance Song is female music with hand gestures.

About Furyū