The Role of Drums in Matsuri
Drums are more than just instruments in Japanese matsuri festivals; they set the very mood and rhythm of the events. A single hearty stroke often marks the beginning, signifying purification and announcing to the deities that the celebration has commenced. Throughout the festivities, frenetic drumming can symbolize various themes, such as thunderclaps, a dragon ascending to the heavens, or even prayers for rain and bountiful harvests. In dances accompanied by chanting, like the nenbutsu odori, endless rhythmic drumming is essential. In this article, we delve into three vibrant matsuri that prominently feature taiko drums.
Morioka Sansa Odori
Taking place from August 1 to 4 in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, the Sansa Odori is a breathtaking spectacle. On the evening of August 1, dancers bearing large drums begin to fill the main street, marking the start of this festival where approximately 25,000 people participate over four days. The vibrant parade, led by young women in pink yukata, attracts more than a million spectators each year. The procession isn’t merely a tourist attraction; it is deeply rooted in an Edo period legend about driving away devils.
According to the legend, a demon terrorized a village, prompting the residents to seek help from Mitsuishi Shrine. The shrine deity subdued the demon, leaving its handprint on three large boulders as a promise of protection. The villagers rejoiced by dancing and chanting “sansa, sansa,” giving rise to the modern-day Sansa Odori. Over time, this dance merged with the bon odori associated with the midsummer Obon season, evolving into a rite of expulsion for evil spirits.
In June 2014, Sansa Odori made history during recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake, with 3,437 drummers participating, securing a place in the Guinness World Records as the largest Japanese drum ensemble. This festival not only entertains but also serves as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the community.
Izaku Taiko Odori, Kagoshima
Another highlight in the world of taiko drumming is the Izaku Taiko Odori, celebrated on August 28 in Hioki, Kagoshima Prefecture. Rooted in the tumultuous history of the region, this festival commemorates a victory dance from 1406, celebrating the successful defense of the Shimazu clan’s territory against rivals.
On festival day, over 20 drummers clad in all-white garb gather, their bodies adorned with rooster feathers and bearing two-meter-long woven bamboo banners. The ensemble presents a striking contrast, with adult male drummers exuding energy and four young performers in colorful kimono providing a delicate touch with small drums and gongs. The drummers and their entourage perform their first dance at the serene Minamikata Shrine, surrounded by cool, tall cedars.
Brimming with vigor, the performers dance with coordinated movements, evoking the legendary defenders of the clan. Performed under the hot sun, the energetic dance spans two days, with the team moving from location to location, showing remarkable endurance. Even rain cannot halt the festival, as the drummers muster their strength to bow in gratitude at the day’s end, embodying the proud spirit of the Satsuma hayato.
Hida Furukawa Matsuri
In the northern Gifu Prefecture, the Hida Furukawa Matsuri takes place from April 19 to 20, showcasing the unique cultural practice known as the okoshidaiko, or “wake-up drum.” For almost two centuries, this tradition has heralded the commencement of the festival at Ketawakamiya Shrine, awakening the village and summoning parishioners.
As the sun sets on the festival’s first day, a monumental drum measuring 80 centimeters across is raised on a platform in the town square. Two young men tied back-to-back atop the drum amplify the thunderous sound while the crowd chants in excitement. The smaller drums mounted on poles, grasped by spirited parishioners, ignite a lively competition as they jostle with the larger drum bearers, showcasing local pride.
The jostling continues late into the night, driven by the haunting rhythms of the okoshidaiko that fill the air. This vibrant spectacle not only entertains but encapsulates the cultural heritage and communal spirit of Hida, bringing people together in jubilant celebration.
Conclusion
Japanese matsuri festivals, underscored by the vibrant beats of taiko drums, are rich in history and cultural significance. From the evocative Sansa Odori to the spirited Izaku Taiko Odori and the unique Hida Furukawa Matsuri, each festival is a resounding celebration of community, resilience, and tradition. As drums echo through the streets, they invite us all to partake in the rhythm of Japan’s rich cultural tapestry.
