Did you know that Japan is home to three great Bon Odori festivals, and one of them is the Nishimonai Bon Odori? Held annually in Ugo Town, Akita Prefecture, this mesmerizing event is not only a cultural spectacle but also a journey into Japan’s rich traditions and spiritual beliefs.
What Is Nishimonai Bon Odori?
The Nishimonai Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese Bon dance performed every August to honor the spirits of ancestors during Obon, a time of remembrance and respect for the deceased. It’s one of Japan’s three major Bon Odori festivals, alongside the Gujo Odori in Gifu and the Awa Odori in Tokushima. Locally, Nishimonai Bon Odori is also known as “Mōja Odori” (The Dance of the Dead) due to its association with ancestral spirits.
What sets this Bon Odori apart is its unique atmosphere, blending lively traditional music with the graceful and somber movements of the dancers, evoking an otherworldly charm that captivates all who watch.
すごい atmosphere!
I can’t stop staring at the dancers.
I like looking at the lanterns.
Origins of Nishimonai Bon Odori
The exact origins of the Nishimonai Bon Odori remain unclear, but there are two popular theories:
1. The Harvest Festival Theory: During the Shōō period (1288–1293), a monk named Genchin is said to have started a celebratory dance in honor of a bountiful harvest at the Zao Gongen Shrine, which later evolved into the Nishimonai Bon Odori.
2. The Mourning Dance Theory: In 1601, after Nishimonai Castle fell to the forces of Mogami Yoshiaki, the castle lord’s retainers and residents mourned their loss by dancing in the grounds of the local Buddhist temple. This mourning dance eventually merged with other local traditions to form the festival we see today.
Regardless of which theory you prefer, the festival has endured for centuries as a poignant expression of memory and reverence.
Unique Costumes of the Nishimonai Bon Odori
The costumes of Nishimonai Bon Odori are among its most fascinating aspects. Dancers wear elegant yukata (summer kimono) paired with traditional woven hats or the striking Hikosa Zukin（彦三頭巾）, a black hood worn by younger female dancers. This deliberate concealment of the dancers’ faces symbolizes the presence of ancestral spirits, blurring the line between the living and the dead. By joining the dance, these spirits are believed to find peace and solace.
I like this spiritual atmosphere.
Musical Accompaniment: The Soul of the Dance
The Nishimonai Bon Odori is accompanied by a mix of traditional Japanese instruments, including:
- Flutes
- Large and small taiko drums
- Shamisen (three-stringed instrument)
- Hand cymbals and bells
The music alternates between two distinct dance styles:
- Ondo: A lively yet elegant rhythm.
- Ganke: A slower, more melancholic style.
This combination creates a hypnotic atmosphere, drawing audiences into the mystical aura of the festival.
Why Is Nishimonai Bon Odori Held?
The festival serves both as a cultural celebration and as a spiritual ritual. The dance is a way to honor and send off ancestral spirits during Obon. It’s believed that dancing together with the spirits provides comfort to them and helps maintain harmony between the spiritual and physical worlds.
When and Where Is Nishimonai Bon Odori Held?
The Nishimonai Bon Odori is held every year from August 16th to 18th in the heart of Nishimonai, Ugo Town, Akita Prefecture. （秋田県羽後町西馬音内本町通り）
The event takes place in a central dance area surrounded by bonfires, creating an enchanting glow as the dancers perform their elegant routines.
I want to go to Akita to see Nishimonai Bon Odori this year!
Let’s go!
Final Thoughts about Nishimonai Bon odori
The Nishimonai Bon Odori is much more than just a dance; it’s a powerful expression of Japan’s spiritual heritage, a blend of celebration and commemoration. If you’re ever in Japan in August, make sure to visit Ugo Town and experience this hauntingly beautiful festival. It’s a chance to witness a tradition that connects the past with the present in the most graceful way.
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