Hitoichi Bon Odori
一日市盆踊り
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Here's the summer tradition, woven by every generation!
-Ishii
HACHIROGATA TOWN (https://www.town.hachirogata.akita.jp/chosei/1001525/1001526/1002018.html)
Historical Background
Hitoichi Bon Odori is one of the Three Major Bon Odori in Akita Prefecture, and an Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by the Prefecture. It has a rich history and is now enjoyed by people of all generations.
This culture’s origin dates back to around the Eikyo first period to the Eiroku thirteen period. It is said that the dance form evolved into its current version during the Kanbun period. It is held every summer, from August 18th to 20th at Hitoichi Shopping Street. Since this festival welcomes everyone from trained dancers to those with no experience at all, including first-timers, the tradition is sustained today through widespread participation.
Tabi Tohoku (https://www.tohokukanko.jp/index.html)
Characteristics
In Hitoichi Bon Odori, people enjoy dancing with singing. There are three different types of dance: dendenzuku odori, kitasaka odori, and sankatsu odori. The first and second ones are relatively high-speed dances. From the lyrics, both dances seem to celebrate the fall rice harvest. Lastly, sankatsu odori is said to have been introduced from the capital. In contrast to the previous two, sankatsu odori is elegant piece, and it takes balance in three.
In addition, the participants usually wear the Japanese traditional cloth, yukata. However, not only do people wear yukata, but some also enjoy wearing costumes. It means "transform", people transform like the departed to offer comfort to them.
Recently, local children who are in elementary school or junior high school join the costume contest for each club. Their costumes reflect the trends of the year, allowing everyone to enjoy this event as well.
Itchao (https://itchao.jp/akita/hachirogata)
Hachirogata Town (https://www.town.hachirogata.akita.jp/chosei/1001525/1001526/1002018.html)
To know more!
Dendenzuku Odori [Video Only]
Kitasaka Odori [Video Only]
Sankatsu Odori [Video Only]
Overview of festival [Japanese Only]
Yukari ISHII (Akita)
Studying at Akita International University
Photo by the author
Direct Voice
I am from Hachirogata, so I had participated in Hitoichi Bon Odori every year before entering university. Additionally, I have participated in it as a musical accompaniment, playing the Japanese flute and taiko drum since I was in elementary school. The festival music practice usually begins during the summer vacation, and participants gather every night. The children practice with some adults, and I remember how cool and powerful their performance was. As musical accompaniment, this Bon Odori is really fun because the dancers wear funny costumes, and they dance around us while rotating. There are various people, from little kids to elderly people like grand grandmothers. I have felt that everyone can enjoy this event through my experiences. However, I heard that the number of participants has been decreasing year by year. Our town has fewer residents, so we have to invite some people from other places to this event. I hope many people will know and have an interest in this festival, and it will last forever!
How to get there?
Place: Hitoichi Kamimachi Main Street in Hachirogata Town
5-minute walk from JR Hachirogata Station.
5-minutes by car from Gojōme-Hachirogata I.C. (Akita Expressway).
More details on the Hachirogata Town official website
https://www.town.hachirogata.akita.jp/chosei/1001525/1001526/1002018.html
References
Akita Prefecture. (2009, March 26). Hitoichi Bon Odori. Prefecture of Akita – Culture & Heritage. https://www.pref.akita.lg.jp/pages/archive/1515
Hachirogata Town. (2025, July 29). Hitoichi Bon Odori. Hachirogata Town Official Website. https://www.town.hachirogata.akita.jp/chosei/1001525/1001526/1002018.html
Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization. (n.d.). Hitoichi Bon Odori (Hachirogata Town, Akita Prefecture). Travel Tohoku. https://www.tohokukanko.jp/attractions/detail_1007917.html
Ura. (n.d.). Ura – Akita. Joukan. https://joukan.sakura.ne.jp/joukan/akita/ura/ura.html
By Yukari Ishii
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