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The nationally famous Kiso-odori (Kiso dance) is performed to commemorate Yoshinaka Kiso. Kisobushi (Kiso song) is a mixture of Ontakebushi (Ontake song) and Nakanorisanbushi (work song of river loggers).
The origin of Kiso-odori is said to be a samurai dance performed at a memorial service celebrating a victory of Yoshinaka Kiso. On the grounds of Kozenji Temple there stands a “Birthplace of Kiso-odori” monument. The dance is very familiar to people in Kiso. It is usual for participants to dance in a circle at the end of the festival.
In Kisofukushima, a Kiso-odori event is held in August every year. Don’t hesitate to take part.
We interviewed Mr. Morishita, the president of Kiso-odori Preservation Society, and Mr. Murai, the adviser.
“It is said that the dance originated with Nobumichi, a member of the 12th generation of the Kiso clan, who performed the Furyujin dance (old Chinese dance).
The Middle Age period book “Kyogen Kayo”, which was written in 1434, says that the dance was performed as Furyu-odori,” he told us.
This preservation society was established in 1963. Since then, we have been dancing to preserve the heritage. I also give instructions on the dance.”
“There are few people in the Kiso area who don’t know about them.
Tourists and foreigners dance with us. We work to let people in other areas know, too. That’s why it’s very fun for me to teach people the dance.
The members of the society practice once a month. We are sometimes invited to dance at ryokan. We perform at athletic meets in elementary and junior high schools.
Famous festivals have been disappearing, but I think this festival will remain in the future. In order to preserve the heritage, we hope to have the residents in Kiso Town cherish the heritage, dance together with out-of-town people, and interact with them in various ways.”
He showed us valuable old documents kept by the Preservation Society.
He showed us valuable old documents kept by the Preservation Society.
“Please go see the ‘Birthplace of Kiso-odori’ monument.”
“A monument?” I hadn’t known about it.
Monument of Kisobushi
Origin of Kisobushi
The year 2030 is the 100th anniversary of Kiso-odori. “We are coming up with various ideas for the anniversary, so please look forward to it,” said the two men, who work to the heritage alive.
In Kisofukushima, a Kiso-odori event is held in August every year. Don’t hesitate to take part.
5 minutes’ walk
From the Ina Interchange on National road 361, 40 minutes by car
Kiso Town, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture
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