Takanosu Drum Festival

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Historical background

The Takanosu Drum Festival began around 1262 during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) in the Takanosu area of Kita Akita City, Akita Prefecture, as a ritual to pray for rain after rice planting, to drive away insects, and to pray for the autumn harvest. At that time, the area had a poor water source and canals with the area of cultivated land, and the area always suffered from a shortage of irrigation water. This is why it is said to be a ritual to pray for rain, as the loud sound of a large drum is made to resemble a thunderous roar, and the drum is struck to deliver the sound to the heavens to bring down rain. In addition to being recognized as a national Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, the festival is also recognized as a Guinness World Record for the size of the drums used.

Further historical background

Originally, this event was held jointly by the neighbouring villages of Uemachi and Shimo-machi, but since the rivalry between them was so strong that the competition for the lead in dedication became too fierce, it is said that since the early Showa period, the two villages have taken turns to hold the event one year at a time. Since then, it is said that the size of the taiko drums became a source of competition. Therefore, the two towns, Kamimachi and Shimomachi, are usually rivals and do not play together except for this festival.

Characteristics

The size of the drums is recognized by Guinness World Records, though, in 1930, the downtown area produced a drum with a diameter of 2.1 m, which was voted the best in Akita Prefecture by a local newspaper. The competition between Uemachi and Shimomachi has continued to this day, and in 1986, Shimomachi was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest drum with a 3.71-meter drum, and in 1992, Uemachi produced a new 3.8-meter drum that made its name known throughout Japan.

To know more!

Current activities

Takanosu Drum Festival in 2024

The 20th annual Kita-Akita City Takanosu Drum Festival was held on Sunday, September 8 2024 in Kita-Akita city, Akita and Taiko drumming groups from the inside and outside of the city gave powerful performances. Anyone can participate to see the event for free.

How to get there

Outdoor stage of Takanosu Daiko no Yakata, Roadside station Takanosu

Roadside station Takanosu

Price

Anyone can join for free.