Historical Backgrounds

The Tsuzureko Odaiko Festival is a festival of Tsuzureko in Kitaakita City, said to have begun around 700 years ago. At that time, Tsuzureko Village constantly suffered from a shortage of irrigation water. It is said that the large drum event began as a rain-praying ritual. The loud sound of the drums, resembling thunder, was used to pray to the gods in the sky for rain and a rich harvest.

It is said that the early drums were about 70 cm in diameter, but over time they grew larger and larger. This is thought to be due to the competitive pride among the neighboring villages participating in the festival.

The festival's most distinctive feature is its massive drum, certified by Guinness as the “world's largest Japanese drum made from a single cowhide,” measuring approximately 3.8 meters in diameter and weighing about 2 tons.

The giant drum and parade procession march through Tsuzureko's downtown area. Led by the master of ceremonies and practitioners of a staff-fighting art called “Yatsupare,” the procession marches toward Tsuzureko Shrine, beating multiple large drums as they go. The procession participants wear colorful Japanese attire, carrying sticks and flags as they march in distinctive rhythmic movements. Three people beat each large drum, accompanied by the playing of festival music.

Upon arriving at Tsuzuriko Shrine, the “Yudachi Shinto Ritual” is performed to predict the year’s rice harvest. Following this, dedicated performances such as the vigorous lion dance and Yakko dance take place.