Guida
Hachinohe Enburi is a traditional ritual held to call upon spring and pray for a bountiful harvest in the Hachinohe region of Aomori Prefecture. Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, it holds significant cultural value deeply connected to the local history. This event is a precious ritual where people's wishes for the arrival of spring are embedded amidst the harsh winter cold.
This festival is rooted in agricultural culture, specifically rice cultivation. The performances incorporate a series of movements related to rice farming, such as sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings, expressing gratitude to nature and prayers for a good harvest. Historically, it has been passed down as a folk performing art deeply rooted in the daily lives of the Hachinohe region. The unique style of wearing an eboshi (hat) shaped like a horse's head serves as a distinctive cultural symbol of this area.
The most striking feature is the unique dance performed by dancers known as 'Tayu.' They wear ornate, horse-head-shaped hats and perform the 'suri' movement, which involves vigorous and rhythmic head shaking. Additionally, the charming celebratory performances by children are a vital element of the festival. The atmosphere is filled with diverse traditional music (ohayashi) that changes with each scene, creating different rhythms and movements throughout the event.
The festival takes place over four days from February 17th to 20th every year. Since Aomori is extremely cold in mid-February, heavy winter clothing is essential. The schedule varies by day; for example, on February 17th, the program may begin with a morning dedication (hono) followed by a mass 'suri' dance and processions in the morning. In the evenings, special events such as 'Oniwa Enburi' are held at historic architectural sites.
This festival offers a chance to witness the traditional forms of Japanese agricultural rituals. The moment the 'sai' (conductor) signals with a baton, the call to the gods of the rice fields begins, leading into the synchronized 'suri' dance and music, showcasing the cultural aspect of community unity. Through the events held in the streets and historic buildings, visitors can feel the traditional timeline of the region.
The main venues for the festival are the Hachinohe City center and the area around the Hachinohe City Hall Civic Plaza. Additionally, historic buildings such as the 'Kojokaku' (a Registered Tangible Cultural Property) serve as venues for special performances. The surrounding area features various hotels and facilities that support local culture and tourism.
As February in Aomori can involve heavy snow and icy roads, heavy coats, gloves, hats, and heat packs (kairo) are indispensable. Please choose footwear that is slip-resistant for snowy paths. Depending on the schedule, you may need to stand while watching the procession. When visiting near historical cultural properties or shrines, please be mindful of your surroundings.