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"Festival filled with rhytmich music and colourful waves of dancers"
– Johanna Hemminki
Historical background
Yamagata Hanagasa festival began in 1963 as a part of the Zao Summer Festival to boost local tourism. The festival became its own event in 1965. The festival has evolved during the years to a lively and colourful summer celebration. It is held every year from August 5th to 7th. It is now one of the Tohoku's main festivals and has a lot of visitors from all over Japan.
Characteristics
Hand-made flower hats
The hand-made flower hats are important part of the festival. The hats are made of straw and decorated with artificial safflowers. Different types of flowers can be used for different dances. Safflowers are the symbol of Yamagata prefecture.
The hats are used in different variations of Hanagasa Dance. Dancers spin the hats along the rhytmic music.
The Hanagasa Dance
Dance is important part of Yamagata festival. Up to 10,000 dancers fill the streets every year, with wide variety of dances in different colourful uniforms.
There are three traditional styles. The most common is Kunpu Mogamigawa dance which represents the gentle breezes that drift over the Mogami River. It is known also as an Onna Odori, which originally means Women's Dance but can be performed by anyone today. Second dance is Zao Gyoko which is also known as the male dance Otoko-Odori. It represents the blessings of nature. Third one is Kasa Mawashi, a flower hat dance in which the dancers perform with the flower hats. In addition there are a lot of creative Hanagasa dances made by different dance styles and moves.
The Hanagasa Ondo Song
The Hanagasa Ondo is an old Japanese folk song. The origins are from rural town Obanazawa, where local construction workers created it. When the workers were rolling the embankment they shouted and responded: "Yassho, Makkasho". This rhythmical chant begame the theme song for Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri. It has been representing Yamagata Prefecture for many years with different versions. The lyrics reflect deep pride in Yamagata's regional beauty and bounty. The current version is from the 1930s. Song is performed by Japanese lute (shamisen), flutes (shakuhachi) and drums (taiko). "Yassho, Makkasho" chant is shouted to enliven the mood of the song and singers.
How to access
Festival is held in Yamagata city near the Yamagata station. The festival takes place at the Yamagata Main Street. The route goes from Tokamachi Corner to the front of Bunshokan.
The parade is held around 6pm to 21:30pm every night. There are ticketed seats to purchase, but the parade is free to watch for everyone along the street.
To know more
Take a quick look at the festival. [Japanese]
See the Hanagasa Odori, flower straw-hat dance. [Performance only]
Listen to the Hanagasa song. [Japanese]
Official website
山形花笠まつり Hanagasa Matsuri
山形花笠まつり Hanagasa Matsuri
[Japanese, English page is also available].
[Japanese, English page is also available].
References
References
Japan National Tourism Organization. (n.d.). Yamagata Hanagasa Festival. Travel Japan. https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/476/
Nippon Communications Foundation. (2018, June 10). Ten thousand dancers at the Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri. Nippon.com. https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/gu008004/
Yamagata Hanagasa Festival Executive Committee. (n.d.). Hanagasa Festival. https://www.hanagasa.jp/_lang/en/
Yamagata Prefecture Tourism Association. (n.d.). Yamagata Hanagasa Festival. Stay Yamagata. https://yamagatakanko.com/en/festivals/detail_2955.html
Direct voice from Johanna
I have never attended the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival but from the photos and videos of it I can already feel the energy of the festival. The rhythmic music and the waves of dancers wearing colourful flower hats creates a uplifting sense of celebration. The festival seems also very visitor friendly. People are encouraged to join dance workshops and participate in day events making it easy for anyone to feel included. Even though it is today a big summer celebration you can see and sense the community pride and involvement behind it. I think it is very valuable that tradition is carried while embracing also innovation and new variations. One day, I would love to visit Hanagasa festival, stand among the crowd and take part of shouting "Yassho, Makkasho!" with everyone else.
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