Location: Akinomiya, Yuzawa City
Site(s) of performance: Yakunai Hall and other places in the community
Date(s): Saturday and Sunday closest to the 210th day from the First Spring Day (around September 1) and Sunday in early November
Designation: City-Designated Intangible Folkloric Cultural Property
Category: Shishimai and Bangaku
Yakunai Bangaku is a bangaku for the annual festival of Kaburadake Shrine, which enshrines Mt. Kamuro. It may have been performed by shugen ascetics who worshipped Mt. Kamuro. It is said that Suga Hanjūrō from Naruko brought bangaku dance here with bangaku masks and writing tools. It is unknown who he was or where he learned bangaku. Yakunai Bangaku used to be performed when a house was newly built or someone moved the house. To consolidate the land, the lion dance, the mountain god dance, and the Okina were performed then. The procedure for the consolidation of the land was very strict and it was said that a single misstep would put the inhabitants in danger. When a family member of the bangaku troupe passed away, it was the rule to perform a mourning bangku after the funeral. Music for Yakunai Bangaku today is played with drums, Japanese flutes, and gongs.

About Shishimai and Bangaku