Location: Sanno, Akita City
Site(s) of performance: Anywhere
Date(s): Anytime
Designation: Prefecture-Designated Intangible Folkloric Cultural Property
Category: Manzai and Talk Show
Akita Manzai is a kind of celebratory performance during the New Year’s days, performed by two performers, Tayū and Saizō. Tayū wears an eboshi cap (suggesting a highly ranked status) and a samurai costume. Saizō wears a commoner’s kimono with his head covered by a simple cloth cap and a drum in his hand. They make a comical and often satirical conversation. The older style of manzai makes the performers chant celebratory words like a song. The origin of Akita Manzai is unclear, but probably derived from Mikawa Manzai and Owari Manzai.

About Katarimono and Manzai