A shared illustration for this type of festival, not this festival itself. Photos are welcome.
Nagai no Dainenbutsu Kenbai
Japanese name: 永井の大念仏剣舞（ながいのだいねんぶつけんばい）
Morioka, Iwate
2027
Sat, Aug 14 – Mon, Aug 16
Obon offering (approximate)
About the festival
This is a nenbutsu sword dance handed down in the Nagai district of Morioka as a memorial for ancestors. It is said to have arrived in the Kansei era and has been passed on for about 220 years. Dancers chant the name of Amida Buddha as song while moving through the iriha, nakaha and hikiha sections. Its signature feature is a large hat crowned with a pagoda, which is swung during the dance.
The kasa-furi, swinging a large hat with a pagoda set in the center of a round base
A Buddhist dance that begins with praise of the grounds and a memorial prayer at the gate
At one past showing there was no parking, and visitors were asked to come by public transport
Videos
Videos published by local governments, preservation societies and others.
Video: webmorioka (YouTube)
Key facts
- Category
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Furyu-odori dances
- Location
- Morioka, Iwate
- Main venue
- Nagai district, Morioka (the host family's house and other places)
- Getting there
- The nearest station is Iwate-Iioka Station on the JR Tohoku Line.
This description was written by Matsuri Biyori based on public information. Dates and details may change. Please check the organizers' latest information before you go. Translated from the Japanese original.
Nearby and similar festivals
FAQ
- When is Nagai no Dainenbutsu Kenbai held in 2027?
- In 2027, it is scheduled for Sat, Aug 14 – Mon, Aug 16 (Estimate (unconfirmed)).
- Where is Nagai no Dainenbutsu Kenbai held?
- It is held in Morioka, Iwate. The main venue is Nagai district, Morioka (the host family's house and other places).
- How are the dates of Nagai no Dainenbutsu Kenbai set?
- Obon (August 14-16 according to Cultural Heritage Online). The National Theatre's notes describe it as "irregular."