Guide
Shizukuishi Yoshare is a traditional folk performing art passed down in Shizukuishi Town, Iwate Prefecture, and is officially designated as an intangible cultural property of the town. The origins of this dance date back over 400 years. The lyrics are quite unique, featuring lines such as "Yoshare, the tea house woman with the flower-patterned sash, don't let it slip from your shoulder, it's a distraction," and "Yoshare, ohoshare. That hand is quite greedy. Don't be so clumsy/unrefined." The performance is characterized by two distinct forms: the male dance and the female dance. One of its most striking features is the preservation of an ancient style, such as the absence of the typical "Ha-" vocalization at the start of the song.
The origins of this art form are tied to the historical conflict over 400 years ago between the Shizukuishi castle lords, specifically involving Kaba Hisaisa and Nambu Nobunao. Legend suggests the dance was born from the playful and strategic banter between the spies of the Nambu clan and the women of the tea houses located near the water inlets leading from the Kasaden River to Shizukuishi Castle. Today, this rich history is carefully preserved and passed down through local preservation and promotion societies as a designated intangible cultural property.
The primary appeal lies in the structured choreography based on traditional forms. Visitors can observe the distinct movements and expressions that differentiate the male and female dances. The unique phrasing of the lyrics is also a major highlight. To see the art in its most authentic form, the Shizukuishi Town Intangible Cultural Property Performing Arts Festival held in November offers a wonderful opportunity to witness this deeply rooted local culture.
There are two primary opportunities to witness Shizukuishi Yoshare. The