戸波神社の芸能
Tonami Jinja no Geinō
"Performing arts that embody a living tradition where prayer, community, and rhythm come together as one."
- Ichika Yamaguchi
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戸波神社の芸能
About Tonami Region
About Tonami Region
A small settlement in Masuda Town, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture.
Population: 210 people, Number of households: 76
A region where traditional culture has developed, centered around Tonami Shrine.
Historically home to Buddhist sculptors and wealthy families, it preserves historical architecture and cultural heritage.
Local residents have maintained a strong community through traditional performing arts. In particular, the culture surrounding Tonami Shrine symbolizes the region's identity.
Historical Background of Tonami Shrine and its Geinō
Historical Background of Tonami Shrine and its Geinō
Tonami Shrine has long been revered as the guardian deity of the region.
Within the shrine grounds stands a pair of Nio guardian statues dedicated in 1868 (Keio 4), renowned for their imposing presence.
These Nio statues are said to have been dedicated by the prominent local family, the Tarabee clan, at great expense for the time.
A festival was once held on May 8th, the day after the Nio statues were dedicated.
Tonami's performing arts are said to have been introduced during the Genroku period (1688–1704) by Chishima Kanamono, a ronin from Kaga Province (Kanazawa).
They were first performed during the celebration of the Yakushi Hall's reconstruction and have been passed down as a festival tradition ever since.
Three Traditional Performing Arts (Geinō)
Three Traditional Performing Arts (Geinō)
1: Gion Bayashi
1: Gion Bayashi
An elegant dance known as "Kyoto-style Hayashi."
Performed by young women in red furisode kimonos with black obi sashes.
Characterized by graceful, sweeping movements, such as large arm gestures.
Instruments: Large, medium, and small taiko drums; flute.
Strongly characterized as a "parlor dance." Records indicate it was performed and praised during the inspection tour of Lord Satake Yoshikazu, feudal lord of the Kubota domain, in Bunka 8 (1811).
It is a very rare form of dance even nationwide.
2: Kitsune Bayashi
2: Kitsune Bayashi
A dance traditionally performed at the eve festival of Yakushi Shrine on the 8th day of the 4th month of the lunar calendar.
Performed in a park lit by bonfires, dancers form a circle holding hand towels.
Costume: Patchwork kimono, black obi sash, bird-chasing hat.
Instruments: Shime-daiko drum, flute, chappa cymbals.
Previously, a simple temporary stage called "Odori-yama" was erected, but it has now been replaced by a permanent stage.
Gion Bayashi dancers traditionally receive a "tasuki-kake" (diagonal sash) from their seniors before performing the next dance, Kitsune Bayashi. This, too, has become a beautiful rite of succession.
3: Kusa Ondo
3: Kusa Ondo
Bon Odori dance held on August 14th during the Bon festival.
Considered a "simple dance," participants wear whatever headdresses they like and dance in yukata.
Accompanied by a shimedaiko drum, flute, and chappa.
Originating from the Nenbutsu dance of Tonami Village, it was once discontinued in 1935 (Showa 10), but was revived in 1942 (Showa 17) on the riverbank as a ceremony for "honoring ancestors, boosting morale, and praying for victory."
It has become an established local Bon festival event.
Characteristics
Characteristics
1: Dance Forms
1: Dance Forms
The unique aspect is that entirely different forms of "physical expression" exist within the same region.
Elegant indoor dance (Gion Bayashi)
Circular outdoor dance (Kitsune Bayashi)
Simple Bon dance (Kusa Ondo)
2: Instruments
2: Instruments
The combination of instruments varies from one festival to another, which changes the thickness of the sound and the tempo, giving each performance its own purpose and meaning.
large, medium, and small drums
shime-daiko (rope-tension drum)
flute
chappa (small hand cymbals)
3: Costumes
3: Costumes
Red furisode: symbols of abundance, festivity, and feminine elegance
Hagiko costume: representations of rural life and culture
Torioi-gasa (bird-chasing straw hat): a remnant of agricultural rituals
Yukata (summer cotton robe): a sign of communal bonding during the Bon season
Modern Preservation and the Local Community
Modern Preservation and the Local Community
Due to a shortage of hayashikata (musicians), the offering performance at Tonami Shrine had once come to a halt.
However, the local youth group “Nōyūkai” learned the hayashi music, leading to the revival of the offering in recent years.
→ This was a significant event symbolizing the power of young people to carry traditions forward.Thanks to the preservation society’s activities, the performance is now also showcased at events such as the “Masuda Folk Performing Arts Festival in Yokote” and local cultural festivals.
→ The performing art has been strengthening the community’s pride and bonds.
To know more!
To know more!
Introducting video of Geinō of Tonami region (Japanese only)
filming of dance scene (no description)
Direct Voice
Direct Voice
I felt that Tonami Jinja no Geinō is a performing arts that embody a living tradition where prayer, community, and rhythm come together as one.
Through the research process, I discovered that there are several forms of Gion Bayashi across Japan, which is also a central element of this Geinō. It would be interesting to compare their different styles and historical backgrounds.
Written by Ichika Yamaguchi (Sophomore, Akita International University)
References
References
Akita Folkloric Performance Art Archives. (2023). Tonami Jinja no Geinō [Perfoming Arts of Tonami Shrine]. Akita-Minzoku-Geino.jp. https://www.akita-minzoku-geino.jp/archives/ja/6231/
Akita Genki Mura. (2017). Yomigaeru dentō! Yokote-shi, Tonami chiiki no Tonami Jinja saiten de “Gion-bayashi” to “Kitsune-bayashi” ga hōnō saremashita! [Reviving tradition! At the Tonami Shrine Festival in the Tonami area of Yokote City, “Gion-bayashi” and “Kitsune-bayashi” were dedicated.]. Akita Genki Mura. https://common3.pref.akita.lg.jp/genkimura/blog/blog-358
Akita Minzoku Geino. (2013, February 6). Tonami Jinja no Geinō [Performing Arts of Tonami Shrines]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpDc3qmGA5g
Japan Foundation for Regional Art-Activities. (2025). Tonami no Kyōdo Geinō [Performing Arts of Tonami]. Bunkashisan.ne.jp. https://bunkashisan.ne.jp/bunkashisan/05_akita/7242.html
Regional Cultural Asset. (2020, September 2). 【daijesuto】Tonami no Kyōdo Geinō [【Digest】Performing Arts of Tonami]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wWJXYGQtSc
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