“It felt as if the dance carried a hidden, powerful message: We protect our lives by ourselves.”
-Yuna Sato
(Photo from https://youtu.be/h3KO3eqe9hI?si=XSPUaZZmVpSxMh-7)
The origins of this dance can be traced back to 1602 (the 7th year of the Keicho era). It is said to have been introduced to Akita by the followers accompanying Lord Satake Yoshinobu during his relocation from Hitachi Province (present-day Ibaraki Prefecture) to Akita.
Initially, this performing art was referred to as "Sasara" (Sasara Dance or Lion Dance). However, during the Bunka and Bunsei eras of the mid-Edo period (circa 1804–1830), it gradually came to be known as "Bon Odori" as the custom of performing it during the Obon festival became established.
Furthermore, the "Koma Odori" (Horse Dance), which is currently a component of the performance, was not part of the original tradition derived from the Satake clan. Instead, it was incorporated later after being transmitted from the neighboring region of Hachimantai (formerly Aikawa Town). Through this process of adopting and fusing performing arts from other regions, the dance evolved into its present form and is now designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Noshiro City.
(Photo from https://youtu.be/_aU92YxEMOA?si=7kHpBu-iOJAZ7hhA)
The "Niageba Bon Odori" became established during the mid-Edo period as a memorial service for ancestors during the Obon season. Currently, it consists of a three-part structure: the "Shishi Odori" (Lion Dance), "Yakko Odori" (Footman's Dance), and "Koma Odori" (Horse Dance). It is performed annually on August 13th and 14th as an offering at locations such as Bairinji Temple and Ukishima Shrine.
Its most significant feature is the deep fusion of artistic splendor and religious ritual. In the "Shishi Odori," which forms the core of the performance, solemn rituals known as "Tama-ire" (Spirit Insertion) and "Tama-nuki" (Spirit Removal) are conducted before and after the dance. Accompanied by specific musical rhythms, these movements symbolize the inviting of the spirit into the lion and its subsequent return.
The "Yakko Odori" boasts the most diverse repertoire. Large groups form circles or lines to dance rhythmically while manipulating props such as fans, bamboo poles (Ayatake), and sasara. Variations include dances like "Ogi Yakko" (Fan Yakko) and "Aya Yakko." Furthermore, the "Koma Odori," which was later introduced from the neighboring Hachimantai area, is characterized by gallant movements mimicking horsemanship, as seen in pieces like "Sanbaso" and "Norimodoshi."
Accompanied by the music of drums and bamboo flutes, this tradition preserves a complex system of performing arts where traditions of different origins are layered together to create a unique cultural heritage.
A full performance of Niage bon-dance, Niage bon-odori. (Japanese)
An explanation of meaning of setting, characters, dance, and music. (Japanese)
A performance of the part of Komaodori with a Japanese subtitle.
Niageba Bon Odori: Tama-ire (Spirit Insertion) Ritual, 1988 (Japanese)
Niageba Bon Odori: Shishi Odori (Lion Dance), 1988 (Japanese)
Niageba Bon Odori: Yakko Odori (Fan Dance), 1988(Japanese)
Niageba Bon Odori: Yakko Odori (Ayatake / Bamboo Pole), 1988 (Japanese)
Niageba Bon Odori – Noshiro City (Japanese)
Niageba Bon Odori – Akita Folk Performing Arts Archives (Japanese)
List of Cultural Properties – Noshiro City (Japanese)
The festival is held annually.
Let's go to the following place and see Niage bon-odori with your eyes!
Here is the English translation of the event details.
Region
Location: Niageba, Futatsui-machi, Noshiro City
Venue
Within the Niageba district of Futatsui-machi, Noshiro City; Bairin-ji Temple; Ukishima Shrine; and various locations within the community.
Dates
August 13th & 14th
Designation
City Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property
Yuna Sato
An Akita International University Student
It feels almost like undergoing a purification ritual for me. There are many children who have a cute, rustic charm, wearing things like pink kimonos. While the costumes resemble those of Bon Odori, the content is a complex mix of elements—summer festivals, war, Namahage, and purification rituals. It feels auspicious, with a strong "cleansing" vibe that seems to settle the spirit.
As a person from Miyagi Prefecture, the way they manipulated their fans instantly reminded me of the Suzume Odori (Sparrow Dance). The dancing wasn't perfectly synchronized, but that lack of professional polish gave it a genuine, local authenticity.
The costumes were also distinctive, with headbands resembling those used in the Sparrow Dance or old rural styles, and skins are more exposed than I expected—short sleeves for the children and shorts for the men controlling the horses. In contrast, the horses themselves were adorned with gorgeous decorations.
With the music looping the same track endlessly, combined with the sight of Japanese flags, horses, and naginata (halberds), my mind turned to the Boshin War. It vividly evoked images of the Joshigun (Women's Army). It felt as if the dance carried a hidden, powerful message: "We protect our lives by ourselves."
Akita International University. (n.d.). Niageba bon odori [Niageba bon dance]. Akita Folkloric Performance Art Archives. https://www.akita-minzoku-geino.jp/archives/ja/2923/
Futatsui Town Tourism Association. (n.d.-a). Shi-shitei mukei minzoku bunkazai: Niageba bon odori [City designated intangible folk cultural property: Niageba bon dance]. https://futatsui.com/elementor-9559-4-2/
Futatsui Town Tourism Association. (n.d.-b). [Shi-shitei mukei minzoku bunkazai] Niageba bon odori [[City designated intangible folk cultural property] Niageba bon dance]. http://futatsui.com/spot/135
Noshiro City. (2022). Niageba bon odori [Niageba bon dance]. https://www.city.noshiro.lg.jp/sangyo/bunkazai/bunkazai/7036
Noshiro City. (2025). Bunkazai ichiran [List of cultural properties]. https://www.city.noshiro.lg.jp/sangyo/bunkazai/bunkazai/720
Noshiro City Folk Performing Arts Federation. (2022, March 21). Niageba bon odori: Shishi odori 1988 [Niageba bon dance: Lion dance 1988] [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR6RfgVRw-E
Noshiro City Folk Performing Arts Federation. (2022a, March 22). Niageba bon odori: Tamaire gishiki 1988 [Niageba bon dance: Soul-entering ritual 1988] [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHERrlkw778
Noshiro City Folk Performing Arts Federation. (2022b, March 22). Niageba bon odori: Yakko odori (Ayatake) 1988 [Niageba bon dance: Footman dance (Bamboo) 1988] [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w-JDdM4nJ0
Noshiro City Folk Performing Arts Federation. (2022c, March 22). Niageba bon odori: Yakko odori (Ougi) 1988 [Niageba bon dance: Footman dance (Fan) 1988] [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3amQ1IdOcQ
By Yuna Sato