Daishoji Okesa Festival

Historical background

Okesa is said to be the name of a person. It is one of the folk songs that originated in Tasuke (present-day Nagasaki Prefecture) and other areas on the west coast and was introduced to various regions from the Edo period (1603-1868) to the Meiji period (1868-1912) by Kitamae ships that sailed northward along the Sea of Japan. Today, it has become one of the folk song cultures that have taken root and been handed down in the region and are danced around in glamorous costumes as a summer Bon Odori dance. 

Further historical background

Taishoji Okesa is said to be one of the folk songs brought to Akita by the Kitamae-bune, and it is thought to have travelled up the Yubutsu River from Tsuchizaki Minato (Akita City), and also to have taken a partial overland route from Ishiwaki Minato (Honjo City) into the Kameda territory. Although the song starts out as "okesa-e," the tune is said to be similar to hiya-bushi. It was originally called "Taishoji-bushi" and used in Bon dance scenes, but the current Taishoji Okesa was revived in 1985 and a new version was created. It is also a component cultural asset of the "Kitamae-ship Port of Call and Shipowning Village," which was recognized as a Japan Heritage site in 2017. Perhaps due to the decline of boat transportation, few people could sing the song after the beginning of the Showa period (1926-1989).

Characteristics

The unit of a dance group is called "Ren," and when all the Ren gather together to dance, it is called "Soodori". There are two types of choreography for Taishoji Okesa dances: "Takeuchi Odori" created by Ayako Takeuchi, a dancer, and "Seike Odori" created by Kumiko Seike, who was in charge of dance instruction for the Warabi-za Theater Company. Takeuchi Odori is a graceful, supple dance with gentle movements, in which the same choreography is repeated from the opening to the end of the song. Seike Odori is characterized by active and speedy movements, such as jumping up and down while standing on one leg and thrusting the hands all the way up.

To know more!

Current activities

Daishoji Okesa Festival in 2023

On August 20, 2023, the Daishoji Okesa Festival was held at the Minami Gymnasium in Yuwa, Akita City. The festival was an enjoyable opportunity to pass on traditional culture for everyone to enjoy. This festival was open to the public and anyone could join for free and there was no special attire you needed to wear.

How to get there

Akita City Yuwa Minami Gymnasium

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Price

Anyone can join for free.