Location: Takko, Shimo-Iwakawa, Mitane Town
Site(s) of performance: Takko Shrine and other places in the community
Date(s): August 13 and 14
Category: Sasara and Horse Dance
The origin of the Takko Sasara is unclear, but it is said to have been drawn from the Jōshū-Ontomo Sasara of Dōji (Noshiro City). There is nothing similar in the vicinity. It is performed every year at the Obon Festival to appease the spirits of the ancestors and to pray for good harvest. This sasara includes a lion dance, yakko dance (samurai servants’ dance), and stick dance. The tradition was interrupted before the Second World War, but was revived in 1973. The role of each lion is performed by one person; the red one is female, the black and blue ones male. Music is played by drums and Japanese flutes.
