Hitoichi no Bon-odori

Overview

The Hitoichi Bon Dance (Hitoichi Bon Odori) is a traditional Bon festival dance held annually from August 18 to 20 for three days at the Hitoichi shopping district in Hachirogata Town, Minamiakita District, Akita Prefecture. Along with the Kemanai Bon Dance in Kazuno City and the Nishimonai Bon Dance in Ugo Town, it is counted as one of the three major Bon dances in Akita Prefecture. It has been designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Akita Prefecture under the official name Hitoichi Bon-odori, and has been passed down since the early modern period.

The festival is characterized as a dance to be performed, not a spectacle to be watched. Dancers dressed in yukata (light summer kimono) or colorful costumes form a large circle, singing and dancing to the sounds of drums and flutes, creating a quintessential summer scene in the region. The dancers face inward and form a large circle, repeating three types of dances—the fast-tempo Dendenzuku dance and Kitasaka dance, along with the graceful Sansho dance—until the final drum signals the end.

History and Origin

According to local tradition, the Hitoichi Bon Dance took its current form around the Kanbun era (1662) when a post station and a relay horse station were established in Hachirogata Town. However, the settlement of Hitoichi itself is estimated to have been founded during the medieval period. During the Kanbun era (1661-1673), the area was developed as a post station along the Ushu Kaido highway, and with the establishment of a lodging for the Tsugaru clan lords, the settlement prospered and the Bon dance is believed to have grown in scale.

A historical record from the late Edo period, the Hina no Asobi (also known as Ishayabushi Anzuhai) written by Sugae Masumi in 1809, describes Bon dances being performed in various villages around Lake Hachirogata. This document provides evidence that dances connected to the current Hitoichi Bon Dance already existed in the early modern period. In the past, there were many diverse dances and movements, but over the centuries, they were gradually consolidated and unified.

Among the three dances transmitted today, the Kitasaka dance is believed to have originated from the Niwaka Odori, a spontaneous improvisational dance that spread from the Echigo region along the coast of the Sea of Japan during the Kansei era (1789-1801). It is thought that a narrative-style folk song evolved into a unique musical form, developing into a dance distinctive to Hitoichi. The origin of the Dendenzuku dance, on the other hand, is subject to various theories and remains unclear, though it has been cherished locally as a fast-tempo dance since ancient times.

The third dance, the Sansho dance, is said to have been introduced from the capital (Kyoto) and is known for its graceful movements. According to Sugae Masumi's records, among the many dances that once existed, only the Sansho dance has survived to the present day, and at that time it had no lyrics. Today, lyrics are attached to the dance, but when they began to be sung is not certain.

In 1934, a publication called Akita Folk Art by a writer named Gyokusho Mura featured the Hitoichi Bon Dance, introducing its value to a wider audience. Subsequently, in 2005, it was designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Akita Prefecture, ensuring its protection and continuation as an important regional folk tradition.

Highlights

The Participatory Circle Dance The Hitoichi Bon Dance is distinguished by the fact that spectators are encouraged to join the circle and dance, rather than simply watch. It is called a dance to perform, not a dance to watch, and anyone can participate freely. A scaffolding tower is erected in the center of the dance ground, where drums are placed; this tower is considered a sacred vessel for the kami (deities) and buddhas. There is no distinction between audience and dancers, and the sight of people of all ages dancing together late into the night reflects the strong bonds of the local community.

Lanterns Above and Around A large rectangular lantern is suspended above the dance ground, surrounded by smaller hexagonal lanterns. These lanterns are not mere decorations; they serve a ritual purpose known as hōgatame (securing the direction), marking the sacred boundaries of the dance space. As dusk deepens, the flickering lantern light casts shadows of the dancers, creating a mystical atmosphere. The soft glow of the lanterns, combined with the sounds of drums and flutes, produces a special summer night ambiance.

The Three Traditional Dances: Dendenzuku Dance The Dendenzuku dance is the fastest in tempo among the three, consisting primarily of motions where both arms are swept left and right. The origin of its name is uncertain, but its light and lively rhythm makes it relatively easy for beginners to learn. Dancers step briskly to the rapid beat, filling the circle with energy. When the shouts accompanying the Dendenzuku dance echo through the shopping street, the festival's excitement instantly reaches a peak.

The Three Traditional Dances: Kitasaka Dance The Kitasaka dance is also fast in tempo but incorporates twisting movements and hand-clapping, making it slightly more complex than Dendenzuku. This dance is believed to have originated from the Niwaka Odori transmitted from the Echigo region, evolving from a narrative folk song into a unique melody. The name Kitasaka may derive from the words for north slope or north sake, but this is not confirmed. The dynamic, full-body movements captivate onlookers.

The Three Traditional Dances: Sansho Dance The Sansho dance is slower in motion compared to Dendenzuku and Kitasaka, featuring graceful pauses where dancers lift one leg and hold still. It is said to have been introduced from the capital and possesses a calm, refined atmosphere distinct from the other two dances. The name Sansho is written with the characters for three victories, but its origin is unclear. The contrast between the fast dances and the slow, elegant Sansho dance gives the evening a sense of rhythm and depth.

The Tradition of Disguise as Hitoichi Bon Dance In the Hitoichi Bon Dance, costumes or disguises are called bakeru (to transform or disguise oneself). This tradition is said to originate from dancers dressing like deceased persons to console their spirits. Records from the early Showa period list various disguises, including Shinto priests, Buddhist monks, sumo wrestlers, brides, the Seven Deities of Good Fortune, gentlemen, and courtesans. Today, dancers wear not only yukata but also colorful costumes, filling the street with vibrant sights. These disguises represent the spirits of the dead, display authority, bring good fortune, and express sanctity, embodying both the memorial aspect of the Bon festival and prayers for a bountiful harvest.

The Exchange of Call-and-Response Songs During the dance, participants exchange call-and-response songs (kake-uta) from both sides of the circle. Dancers from within the settlement and those visiting from neighboring areas deepen their interaction in rhythm with the music. This call-and-response is not merely a means of communication; it has played a vital role in strengthening community bonds. Amid the lively exchanges of songs, even first-time visitors are quickly welcomed as members of the circle.

Event Information and Access

• Event Period: Annually on August 18, 19, and 20 for three days. Please check the official website for the latest schedule and confirmation of whether the event will be held.
• Event Time: Approximately from 7:20 PM to 9:30 PM. On the 18th and 20th, general Bon dancing is held, while on the 19th, a children's Bon dance contest takes place.
• Venue: Hitoichi Kamimachi Main Street (Hitoichi Shopping District), Hachirogata Town, Akita Prefecture. The section of Akita Prefectural Road 219 (Mikurahana-Gonome Line) in front of JR Hachirogata Station is closed to traffic and becomes the dance ground.
• Access: Approximately 8 minutes on foot from JR Hachirogata Station on the JR Ou Main Line. Simply walk straight from the station through the shopping district to reach the venue.
• Participation: Those wishing to join the dance must register on the day at the headquarters (in front of the Machizukuri Activities Center). No advance reservation is required, and spontaneous participation is welcome.
• Inquiries: Hachirogata Town Hitoichi Bon Dance Executive Committee (within the Hachirogata Town Industrial Affairs Section). Phone: 018-875-5803. Latest information is available on the official Hachirogata Town website.

Surrounding Area

Hachirogata Town is located in the central-western part of Akita Prefecture and was created by the reclamation of Lake Hachirogata, once the second largest lake in Japan. The town features vast agricultural fields on the reclaimed land and is known as a premier rice-growing region. Around JR Hachirogata Station, the Hitoichi shopping district is formed, and during the Bon dance period, local shops stay open late to support the festival.

About 10 minutes by car from the Hitoichi shopping district lies the Hachirogata Reclamation Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the reclamation project and the ecosystem of the former lake. The museum features rich exhibits on the reclamation history and the lake's biodiversity, making it a worthwhile destination alongside the Bon dance. Additionally, a cycling path has been developed along the lakeshore, which attracts visitors seeking cool breezes in summer.

Furthermore, the other two major Bon dances of Akita Prefecture, the Kemanai Bon Dance (Kazuno City, typically late August) and the Nishimonai Bon Dance (Ugo Town, typically August 16-18), may overlap in schedule, making it possible to plan a Bon dance tour across Akita Prefecture during this season. Each of these Bon dances has distinct characteristics, and comparing them offers a rewarding experience for visitors.

Related Information

• Cultural Property Designation: Designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Akita Prefecture in 2005.
• One of the Three Major Bon Dances: Recognized alongside the Kemanai Bon Dance (Kazuno City) and the Nishimonai Bon Dance (Ugo Town) as one of the three great Bon dances of Akita Prefecture.
• Three Transmitted Dances: The Dendenzuku dance, Kitasaka dance, and Sansho dance are the three types still performed today.
• Call-and-Response Songs and Costume Traditions: The exchange of call-and-response songs and the tradition of disguise (called bakeru) are distinctive features of the Hitoichi Bon Dance.
• Historical Documents: The 1809 work Hina no Asobi (Ishayabushi Anzuhai) by Sugae Masumi records the Bon dances around Hitoichi.
• Printed Record: In 1934, Gyokusho Mura introduced the Hitoichi Bon Dance in the publication Akita Folk Art.
• Concurrent Bon Dances in Akita: The Kemanai Bon Dance (typically around August 19-21) and the Nishimonai Bon Dance (typically August 16-18) are held around the same time, allowing visitors to tour multiple festivals.
• Official Information Source: Detailed information is published on the official Hachirogata Town website (https://www.town.hachirogata.akita.jp/).
• Weather Policy: The event is held in light rain but may be cancelled or shortened in severe weather. Check the latest official announcements on the day for the final decision.
• Parking: Temporary parking lots may be set up near the venue, but use of public transportation is recommended.

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