Guide
The Otaue Shinji (Otaue Ritual) held at Izawaki Shrine in Shima City, Mie Prefecture, is a traditional Dengaku performance designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Held annually on June 24, this ritual is deeply connected to the region's rich natural environment and serves as a symbol of the Ise-Shima area's cultural identity. The ceremony centers around a series of rituals that recreate the process of rice planting, culminating in a lively and spirited dance procession.
The origins of this ritual are believed to have been established in their current form during the late Heian period. The date of June 24 is based on the legend of the 'Seven Sharks' (Shichi-hon Same), which tells of seven sharks swimming up the river to mark the sacred site of Izawaki Shrine during the travels of Princess Yamato Hime. This legend is so deeply ingrained in the community that local fishermen traditionally observe a hiatus in fishing on this day.
Historically, the festival has seen various developments, such as the 'Erihara Saomochi-tsuki' (ceremonial rice cake pounding) during the Tenpo era (1830–1843). After a period of interruption due to religious reforms in the Meiji era, the ritual was revived around 1882. In 1990, it was officially designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
The ritual proceeds through several significant stages. It begins with 'Hairei' (worship) to pray for a successful harvest, followed by 'Natori' (seedling collection), where participants circle the seedling beds three and a half times. A particularly energetic highlight is the 'Taketori Shinji' (Bamboo Seizure), where men compete to grab bamboo decorated with fans bearing the character 'Taiichi'.
The main 'Otaue Shinji' features the rhythmic sounds of flutes and drums as the Saotome maidens and field workers plant seedlings in a single line. This is followed by the 'Saitorisashi no Mai' dance performed with sasara (musical instruments). The event reaches its climax with the 'Odori-komi' (dance procession), where participants sing and dance their way through the sacred fields toward the torii gate of Izawaki Shrine, a journey of approximately 200 meters.
As this ritual is held only once a year on June 24, it is crucial to confirm this date before planning your visit. The season marks the arrival of early summer, a perfect time to experience the vital agricultural traditions of Japan. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend following the entire sequence from the seedling collection to the final dance procession.
Visitors can witness the authentic process of traditional Japanese Dengaku and the devotion of the local community. The rhythmic movements of the Saotome maidens, the powerful percussion of the drums, and the high-energy dance procession offer a profound cultural experience. The unique local songs and the vigorous movements of the bamboo-grabbing ritual provide deep insight into the region's heritage.
Izawaki Shrine is located in Shima City, an area near the famous Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu). The surrounding landscape is filled with historical structures and breathtaking natural beauty. Many travelers combine a visit to the Ise Grand Shrine with an exploration of the local Shima culture and its historical traditions.
The ritual takes place in an open-air, rural setting. Please be prepared for natural terrain and weather changes. As this is a sacred local tradition, visitors are asked to observe the ceremony with respect and decorum.