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Historical Background
Historical Background
Morioka shi is a city in Iwate ken, also an important political, economical and transportation center there. Since 1978, every year in the beginning of August, Sansa Odori（さんさ踊り）is held. It is one of the famous matsuri (holiday / event) in the Tohoku area.
In the past, it is said that an oni (demon) named ‘Rasetsu’ appeared near Morioka castle. Rasetsu kept harassing local people, seriously affecting their daily lives. People tried to pray for the god of three stones, hoping the god could save them from Rasetsu.
The god heard, helping people get rid of annoying Rasetsu. Also, the god asked Rasetsu to pledge not to bother people anymore. Rasetsu are forced to leave its handprints on the rocks, and those things soon become evidence.
Local people were glad to hear the good news. They danced around the rocks, cheering and shouting “Sansa, Sansa!” which is said to be the origin of Sansa Odori.
Characteristics
Characteristics
Photo from https://ohmatsuri.com/en/articles/iwate-sansa-odori
There are some special and unmissable parts in Sansai Odori:
Ms. Sansa
Ms. Sansa practices Sansa Oodri for more than two months, in order to show the audience the most impressive traditional dance in Morioka. They will dance in front of the queue, saying「Sakkora Choiwa Yasse」（サッコラチョイワヤッセ）to cheer and share good luck to everyone.
Drumming Parade (Wadaiko Parade)
In 2014, this activity set a world record of the most people playing drums at the same time. On the last day of the Sansai Odori Festival, participants can enjoy the world's largest drumming parade.
Dancing by yourself
On the last day of the festival after the Drumming Parade, people can try dancing by themselves! There’s no worries if people who want to take part in are beginners, a group of Sansa dance teachers called Sansa Oherense Shisho are kind to guide, making sure everyone can have a wonderful night.
How to Get There
How to Get There
Sansa Odori will take place in Chuodori, Morioka City.
Since there are many people gather to participate in this event, it is recommend to go by public transportation.
It takes 15-20mins to walk to Main Venue from train station, and there also several buses can take participants there.
To Know More
To Know More
It is the official youtube channel of Sansa Odori, and this is their performance in 2025.
[Japanese subtitle]
Sansa Odori was invited to Taiwan in 2024, showing this unique festival to Taiwanese people.
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Sansa Odori performed by Morioka University, they've got good grades in two consecutive years.
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Sansa Odori video offered by TokyoStreetView with higher quality.
[English subtitle]
Reference
Reference
Xián zhì. (2023, July 27). Rì Běn Zì Zài Yóu. Yán Shǒu Chéng Gāng Sān Sà Wǔ Jì: Xià Jì Dōng Běi Zhuī Jì Zhī Lǚ, Zhèn Hàn Rén Xīn de Shì Jiè Dì Yī Tài Gǔ Dà Yóu Xíng. https://vocus.cc/article/65e91b81fd897800013fe188
Hēng lì yáng. (2025, August 27). Rì Běn Jì Diǎn. Èr Líng Èr Wǔ Nián Chéng Gāng Sān Sà Wǔ Jì ∣dōng Běi Liù Dà Jì Diǎn Chū Tǐ Yàn. https://vocus.cc/article/68ac1d99fd89780001c89a24
Morioka sansa odori festival organizing committee. (n.d.). Iwate ・ Morioka Sansa Odori Festival. Morioka Sansa Odori. https://sansaodori.jp/foreign/english.php
Toshiki Nakamura. (n.d). Morioka City’s pride is world record winning!. OH! Matsuri
https://ohmatsuri.com/en/articles/iwate-sansa-odori
Tohoku tourism promotion organization. (n.d.). Morioka Sasa Dance. Come, See, Be Enchanted, and Join the World’s Best Taiko Parade! https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1003782.html
By Phoenix
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