Tenjin Ayatori
天神あやとり
Embedded Files
"It is wonderful to see a large number of people breathing together...dancing brilliantly."
Historical Background
Historical Background
According to legend, this traditional combination of dance and folklorik music originated in the early Showa period. Yoshinobu Satō of the Jinego-Tenjin village, present day Yurihonjo City, visited the Innai Silver Mine which was formerly known as Ogachi Town. Here a traveling group from Shikoku performed and taught him Ayatori. Upon his return he created "Tenjin Ayatori" using his new knowledge whilst making it his own art. In 1980 the Tenjin Ayatori Preservation Association was organized and became designated as ethnic cultural property of Yurihonjo City.
Characteristics
Characteristics
The performance consists of one singer, two drummers, and seven dancers. The dancers wield brightly decorated sticks (about 30-40cm long) called "Ayabo." Shamisen and four bamboo were elements also used but aren't today. Alongside the folk song Sasako Oharabushi, the dancers tactically move their Aya sticks in unison.
Tenjin Ayatori takes place the first Saturday of September in Tenjin, Kami-Jinego, Chokai-machi, Yurihonjo City, at the Gassan Shrine.
To Know More
To Know More
The Sound of Oharabushi
(Japanese audio)
Tenjin Ayatori Visual
(Japanese audio)
Direct Voice from Rowan Kolar
Direct Voice from Rowan Kolar
Tenjin Ayatori and similar performances are such unique, traditional art forms that have survived and evolved to where they are today. I can appreciate them a lot because being from the States it makes me wish there were more things like that at home. That is definitely something that this project and studying in Japan has taught me.
References
References
Tenjin Ayatori Preservation Association. 2022, December 14. Tenjin Ayatori (Tenjin Ayatori). Yurihonjo City. https://www.city.yurihonjo.lg.jp/1001503/1002098/1002113/1002129/1003582.html
Akita Prefecture Population Strategy Department Regional Development Promotion Division. 2010, December. Ayatori Tenjin. Akita Seki Mura. https://common3.pref.akita.lg.jp/genkimura/archive/contents-477/
Akita International University. 2023. Tenjin Ayatori. Akita Folkloric Performance Art Archives. https://www.akita-minzoku-geino.jp/archives/720-2/
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse