Yoshiwa Taiko Odori: Yoshiwa Drum Dance
January 22, 2014This traditional dance takes place at Joudo-ji Temple on July 18th of Japan’s old lunar calendar every even-numbered year of the western calendar. “Taiko Dance” is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Hiroshima Prefecture.
There are several theories regarding the origin of this dance. One theory concerns the shogun, Ashikaga Takauji (1305-1358 AD). When Takauji left Onomichi to go to Kyushu, the fishermen who navigated the waters were from Yoshiwa. It is thought that this lively dance originated as a celebration of Takauji’s victory. Wooden plaques called ema, depicting the dance in the Edo period are also offered, a tradition that has been handed down through the ages.
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