Dainichido Bugaku is a dance of Ennen delivered on January 2 at Ōhirumemuchi Shrine (alias Dainichidō) in Azukisawa. The date of foundation of Ōhirumemuchi Shrine is unclear, but it was prior to 718, when Empress Genshō issued an order for its reconstruction. At the inauguration of the reconstructed building, musicians and dancers came from Kyoto and offered bugaku. That performance initiated the tradition of Dainichidō Bugaku. This dance performance has been handed down by the local people. In 1976, it was designated as a nationally designated important intangible cultural property, and in 2009, it was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Dancers called Noshu coming from the four districts of Osato, Azukizawa, Nagamine, and Taninai, gather and dedicate dances in front, and in the hall of the shrine. This dance has several types which have different meanings. One of the dances, Momioshi, represents the agricultural work. Mikomai is the dance dedicated to the god of heaven. Kanatemai is the dance for the god of the earth. Daishogyoji purifies the stage and prays for a good harvest. Gongenmai Azukikawa comfort the spirit of the Prince Gonomiya. Komamai Ozato is the horse dance of the Prince Gonomiya. Uhenmai Nagamine is a choreography of burying the body of Princess Kissho. Torimai Ozato is the bird dance of Danburi Choja. Godaisonmai is the dance of a Danburi Choja and four vassals. Koshomai Osato is performed to carve the body of the god Dainichi. Dengakumai Azukikawa is made by Danburi Choja to comfort farmers. These dance is assigned to the dancers of each district, and dancers of other areas cannot perform other type of dances.
Introduction of Dainichi Bugaku in English
Introduction of Dainichi Bugaku (English subtitles available)
Current activities
Dainichido Bugaku is performed at Ōhirumemuchi Shrine (alias Dainichidō) in Azukisawa on January 2 every year. The whole performance is held from 8 am to 11:30 am.
How to get there
Address: 16 Dounoue, Hachimantai, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture
Take an Ou line from Akitan station to Odate station and transfer from an Ou line to a Hanawa line at Odate station. Get off the train at Hachimantai station. Walk for 2 minutes from there.
大日堂舞乐
正月2日于小豆泽的大日灵贵神社(大日堂)举办的延年舞。大日灵贵神社的起源没有定论,但据说是718年通过元正天皇的圣旨重建大日堂,完成堂宇时,由来自都城的音乐博士、乐人进行祭献的就是传到此地的大日堂舞乐。
大日堂舞樂
正月2日於小豆澤的大日靈貴神社(大日堂)舉辦的延年舞。大日靈貴神社的起源不明,但據說是718年透過元正天皇的聖旨重建大日堂,完成堂宇時,由來自都城的音樂博士、樂人進行祭獻的就是傳到此地的大日堂舞樂。