Guida
Otaue Shinji, held at Izami-no-miya in Shima City, Mie Prefecture, is a traditional Dengaki performance designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Held annually on June 24th, this ritual is deeply connected to the region's rich natural environment and serves as a symbol of the Ise-Shima area's unique culture. The ceremony features a series of rituals replicating rice planting, followed by a lively and spirited dance procession.
The origins of this ritual are believed to date back to the late Heian period. The date, June 24th, is tied to the legend of the 'Seven Sharks' (Shichihon-zame), which tells of seven sharks swimming upstream to the site of Izami-no-miya during the travels of Princess Yamato-hime. This legend is so deeply ingrained in local life that even today, local fishermen observe a tradition of resting their fishing activities on this day.
Historically, the festival has seen various evolutions, such as the 'Erihara Saomochi-tsuki' (rice cake pounding) during the Tenpo era (1830–1843). Although the ritual faced interruptions during the Meiji-era religious reforms, it was revived around 1882. Its cultural significance was officially recognized in 1990 when it was designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
The ritual progresses through several significant stages. It begins with 'Hairai' (prayer) to pray for a successful harvest, followed by 'Naetori' (seedling collection), where participants circle the seedling field three and a half times. A high-energy moment follows the 'Taketori Shinji' (Bamboo Seizure), where men compete for sacred bamboo decorated with fans bearing the character 'Tai'.
The centerpiece is the 'Otaue Shinji' itself, where participants plant seedlings in a single line amidst the rhythmic sounds of flutes and drums. This is followed by the 'Saitori-sashi no Mai' dance. The event culminates in the 'Odari-komi' (dance procession), where participants sing and dance along a 200-meter path from the sacred rice field to the torii gate of Izami-no-miya.
As this ritual is held only once a year on June 24th, it is crucial to confirm the date before planning your trip. Visiting in late June allows you to experience the essence of early summer and the profound agricultural culture of Japan. To get the most out of your visit, follow the flow from the seedling collection to the planting and finally the grand dance procession.
Visitors can witness the authentic movements of traditional Dengaku and the intense energy of a ritual preserved by local communities. The synchronized movements of the rice planting, the percussive music, and the final-stage dance offer a profound cultural experience. The unique local songs and the vigorous energy of the bamboo ritual provide deep insight into the spiritual life of the Shima region.
Izami-no-miya is located in Shima City, a beautiful area near Ise Grand Shrine. The surrounding landscape is filled with historical structures and lush nature, making it a perfect addition to a sightseeing plan that includes the Ise Jingu pilgrimage. You may also find local exhibits detailing the history of the community that supports these traditions.
Since the ritual takes place in an outdoor agricultural setting, please be prepared for uneven terrain and weather changes. As this is a sacred ritual maintained by local residents, please observe the ceremonies with respect and mindfulness.