During the Obon festival in 2024, Bon Odori dances were held in various locations.
In Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, the annual "Bichu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori" was held for three days from August 14 to 16, 2024.
The "Bichu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori" is a very historic Bon Odori that has continued from the early Edo period to the present day.
Since I danced for three consecutive days, I will report on the events of the day.
What is "Bichu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori"
The "Bichu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori" is one of the three major dances in Okayama Prefecture (the others are "Shiraishi Odori" in Kasaoka City and "Omiya Odori" in Maniwa City), and it boasts the largest scale of Bon Odori in the prefecture.
The venue is the main street in front of JR Bichu Takahashi Station, and it is held every year from August 14 to 16, during which the area in front of Bichu Takahashi Station is filled with dance.
Continuing the dance for 377 years this year!
Due to traffic regulations in the vicinity of the venue, cars are parked in temporary parking lots, and attendees walk to the venue.
It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot on the opposite bank of the Takahashi River to the venue. The daytime heat had eased, and a pleasant breeze was blowing over the bridge.
Along the way, there were also introduction signs for Matsuyama Odori.
When I arrived at the venue, a circle of dancers had already formed.
Matsuyama Odori (local dance) and Yatosa Odori
There are two types of dances: Matsuyama Odori (local dance) and Yatosa Odori, which alternate every 30 minutes.
Matsuyama Odori (local dance) features slow movements with hands raised to the sides as dancers move forward. In contrast, Yatosa Odori has a faster tempo and is characterized by movements resembling taiko drumming.
With the chant "Yatosa~ Korasa~ Doshokaina~," the rhythm is lively and popular among young people.
The Ohayashi (musical accompaniment) is performed live by the Matsuyama Odori Ondo Preservation Society.
On stage, there was also a demonstration by the "Dancing Friends," showcasing beautiful and sharp movements that captivated the audience.
Group Dance Contest
On the final day, August 16, starting at 7 PM, there was also a Group Dance Contest (15 minutes of Matsuyama Odori and 15 minutes of Yatosa Odori).
Dancers dressed in matching costumes, similar to Awa Odori, formed a "dance group" and gathered in unison, creating a stunning sight.
After dancing Matsuyama Odori and Yatosa Odori for 15 minutes each, the dancing continued with the general public joining in from 7:30 PM until 10 PM.
Sanren Odori Fuda
For three days, if you participate in the dance wearing traditional clothing (yukata), you will receive a wooden tag called "Sanren Odori Fuda" (limited to 150 pieces).
I received it for the first time last year (2023), but this year it featured a design with the newly appointed image character "Hyonjuro."
I immediately attached last year's wooden tag to my obi.
To receive the Sanren Odori Fuda, you need to have your stamp card (distributed on the first day) stamped at the headquarters over the three days.
Conclusion
The festival that lasted for three days is finally on its last day.
After the group dance contest mentioned earlier, the circle of dancing expands to include general participants.
For those who say, "This is my first time participating, so I don't really understand how to dance," a dance instruction class is also being held.
Guests from overseas were also receiving instructions through gestures. The choreography is simple, so please feel free to join the circle of dancing.
And finally, the Yatosa dance heads towards the finale.
As the tempo gradually increases, the energy of the dancers reaches its peak.
At 10 PM on August 16.
The festival that lasted for three days concludes with a grand finale.
Everyone heads home with expressions of having given their all. Thank you for your hard work.
See you again next year at this place.
Bichu Takahashi Matsuyama Dance Data
| Name | Bichu Takahashi Matsuyama Dance |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 14 (Tuesday) - 16 (Friday), 2024 7 PM - 10 PM |
| Location | In front of Bichu Takahashi Station on the main street |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
| Website | Takahashi City Tourism Guide |
