"Hiyama-mai is a fantastic traditional festival that features a strong, rhythmic beat made with wood and a rich, beautiful heritage passed down from one generation to the next."
-Kamada
Hiyama Mai, also known as Motai-Bangaku, is a traditional performing art that has been passed down through generations in the Kamimotai community of Noshiro City, Akita. Unfortunately, the origin is unclear, however, since a description of the performance is found in Dewanokuni-fudo ryakuki, which includes geographical and climatic notes of the Dewa area (1762), it can be estimated that the performance has a long history. There is also a theory that Hiyama Mai has begun to prosper the shrine, in order to expand its religious power through ritual ceremonies. In 1964, the performance was registered as an intangible cultural property designated by Akita Prefecture. Today, the preservation association remains active in preserving the Hiyama Mai for future generations.
Hiyama Mai is separated into various sections of repertoire, and each section starts with the songs called Makudashino-uta, the curtain-rising song. The performance is based on a historical event, and the performer will portray a historical figure.
The performance features instruments such as drums, flute, and Hyoushigi, wooden clappers, which will provide the base rhythm of the music by being beaten on the stage. The main dancer will dance the brave dance, wearing the traditional suit of armor, surrounded by the instrument player. Additionally, the video clips show a large number of children participating in the festival, highlighting that Hiyama-mai is a fantastic traditional festival featuring a strong, rhythmic beat made with wood and a rich, beautiful heritage passed down from one generation to the next.
This is the oldest video, dating back to 1964. In this video, the performer acts out the "Suzuki-mai", one of the many story programs.[Japanese only]
And this is from 2019-even today, Hiyama-mai have been passed down for generations, thanks to the local people and children.[Japanese only]
In this video, you can clearly see and feel the strong beat of the stage by the wooden clappers and the sound of feet. It is also striking that there are some children who might pass this beautiful tradition to the next generation.[Japanese only]
You can see Hiyama-Mai's performance in the History of Hisato Hiyama Natto Festival held every early July (around 7/13-7/17) in Hiyama Sotokukan, Noshiro city, and you can also enjoy the natto, which is one of the local specialties in the Hiyama area. You can also see the Hiyama-cha (Hiyama tea) farm in the Hiyama-Sotokukan, so you will be able to feel abundant Hiyama culture at the same time as the festival!
▲Hiyama Sotokukan
https://www.forest-akita.jp/data/school-2019/school-02/school-02.html
I found numerous videos and articles about elderly people organizing festivals in the Hiyama area, as well as children working together to participate in the events, and other initiatives aimed at preserving the area's precious traditional culture. Then, I noted that it is rare in Akita Prefecture, especially in rural areas, to enjoy the culture with both the younger and older generations together, as many long-standing cultures have vanished in recent years due to the lack of younger generations inheriting them. Furthermore, by observing this festival, I strongly felt that it would be a good example of preserving traditional culture in the rural prefecture. I think that Hiyama-mai is a fantastic traditional festival that features a strong, rhythmic beat made with wood and a rich, beautiful heritage passed down from one generation to the next.
Genki Village Travel Series 6: Exploring Hiyama, a Mountain Village Where History Lives On | Akita Forest Creation Activity Support Center. (n.d.). https://www.forest-akita.jp/data/school-2019/school-02/school-02.html
Hiyama Mai – Akita Folk Performing Arts Archives. (n.d.). https://www.akita-minzoku-geino.jp/archives/ja/3169/
Hiyama Mai. (n.d.). Official Website of Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture. https://www.city.noshiro.lg.jp/res/minzoku-geinou/5535
Hiyama Mai | Traditional Culture of Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture. (n.d.). https://bunka.welcomenoshiro.com/culture/hiyamamai/
Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization. (n.d.). History Village Hiyama Natto Festival (Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture) | Discover Tohoku's Tourist Spots | Tabitoho - Tohoku Tourism & Travel Information Site. Tohoku Tourism & Travel Information Site “Tabitoho”. https://www.tohokukanko.jp/attractions/detail_1006750.html
By Rion Kamada