It is said that the origin of the Fukushima Saisei Hayashi dates back to August of Bunka 8 (1811), when the Akita domain lord, Satake Yoshikazu, conducted an inspection tour of his territory. On this occasion, the youth of Nanokamachi in the former Masuda Town learned and performed the Saisei Bayashi as an artistic presentation.

After the lord’s tour, following the intentions of the town’s senior leaders, the music began to be dedicated to festivals at Isedō Shrine and Gassan Shrine. It was thereafter performed in accompaniment with mikoshi (portable shrine) processions and became customary for the performers to go door to door throughout the town while playing the music.

Location:    Masuda Town, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture  秋田県横手市増田町内

Phone Number:    0182-32-2403

Business Hours:    September 14th and 15th

Watching Fukushima Saisei Hayashi, I was struck by how it reminded me, in some ways, of the Kantō Festival. In particular, the way performers support festival equipment using their hands or even their chins felt visually similar.

That physical balance and bodily engagement made the performance especially fascinating to watch.

At the same time, Fukushima Saisei Hayashi has its own distinct atmosphere rooted in local tradition.The festival music is light and rhythmic, and listening to it naturally lifts the listener’s mood.  I would love to go and see the festival in the next year!