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Hadachi Sasara
Historical Background
Historical Background
The Hadachi Sasara is a traditional folk performing art preserved in the Hadachi community of Hiyama, Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture. Its origin is estimated to date back to the late Muromachi or early Sengoku period. According to oral tradition, in 1610 (Keichō 15), when the Tagaya clan was transferred from Shiraiwa in Senboku to Hiyama Castle, a sasaramai dance was performed within the castle to entertain the new lord. It is said that at that time, the performers were granted two banners—red and blue—bearing the Tagaya family crest. Thereafter, the dance was customarily performed during the Obon period at the castle and the clan’s temple to console ancestral spirits. A document written in 1858 (Ansei 5) by Ishikawa Kandayu, a retainer of the Tagaya clan, further confirms that the Hadachi Sasara had already been practiced before that time.
Characteristics
Characteristics
The Hadachi Sasara comprises several distinct segments, including Yakko Odori (attendant dance), bōjutsu (stick performance), Tate-bō (pole performance), and Shishi Sasara (lion dance). The Shishi Sasara is performed by three dancers who together embody a single lion—a form known as the Sanbiki Shishi or “three-lion dance.” Accompanied by drums and flutes, the dancers’ powerful and rhythmic movements evoke the elegance and vitality of ancient furyū-mai ritual dances. Today, the Hadachi Sasara is preserved by the Hadachi Sasara Preservation Society and is performed annually on August 13. It stands as a living testament to the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Hiyama region.
（Kmkanikti, 2023）
To Know More
To Know More
Hadachi Sasara (Noshiro City)
Hadachi Sasara (Noshiro City)
[Japanese Only]
Hadachi Sasara (Mitane Town)
Hadachi Sasara (Mitane Town)
[Japanese and English (auto-generated) subtitles]
How to use a fan in Hadachi Sasara
How to use a fan in Hadachi Sasara
[Japanese and English (auto-generated) subtitles]
More information
More information
How to get there
How to get there
From Akita Station
By Car
Take the Akita Expressway. The drive takes approximately 57 minutes.
By Train and Bus
Take the Ōu Main Line from Akita Station to Higashi-Noshiro Station.
From there, transfer to a local bus bound for Akasaka.
Get off at the Akasaka stop and walk about 23 minutes to reach the destination.
Direct Voice (comments from the website owner)
Direct Voice (comments from the website owner)
Watching the Hadachi Sarasa dance, I strongly feel that traditional performing arts are not merely dance, but embody the memories and prayers of the region. The powerful movements of the lion and the humorous gestures of the slave dance alternate, creating a coexistence of solemnity and approachability that gives the audience a sense of security and vitality. It was also striking that these performances take place throughout the region during the Bon season, serving as a place to reaffirm the bonds of the community.
Name: Sayo Kamoshida
Affiliation: Akita International University
Contact: b2500509@gl.aiu.ac.jp
References
References
Akita Folk Performing Arts Association. (n.d.). Akita no minzoku geinou a-kaibu. Akita Folk Performing Arts Association. https://www.akita-minzoku-geino.jp/archives/ja/2222/
Kmkanikti. (2023, March 10). Akita no hito ni naritai hanashi. note. https://note.com/kmkanikti/n/n35c06be97b01
Noshiro City. (n.d.). Noshiroshi no minzoku geinou. Noshiro City. https://www.city.noshiro.lg.jp/res/minzoku-geinou/5555
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