![[Okayama ] UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Shiraishi Odori on Shiraishi Island in Kasaoka Cityの画像](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2024/07/22-188781.webp)
Learn more about the Shiraishi Odori , a traditional dance from Kasaoka Shiraishi Island , one of the 31 large and small islands off the coast of Kasaoka City City , Okayama Prefecture ! We also have a look at last year's experience tour!
2024.07.22"Shiraishi Odori" is a Bon dance that has been passed down on Shiraishi Island for a long time, and will be registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in November 2022. On last year's experience tour, after a guided walk around the island, participants went to the sandy beach at dusk and enjoyed the graceful "Shiraishi Odori" illuminated by the glow of the sea and the setting sun.
There will be an experience tour again this year, so don't miss it! (Details at the end of the article)
-
Table of contents
- What is Shiraishi Odori?
- How to get to Shiraishi Island Island in the Kasaoka Islands
- A detailed explanation of Shiraishi Odori!
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Recognition
- A historical walk on Shiraishi Island
- 2024 [Shiraishi Odori] Experience Tour
What is Shiraishi Odori?
Shiraishi Odori is a traditional Bon dance held on the nights of August 13th to 16th every year on Shiraishi Island Island in the Kasaoka Islands. The dance is centered around a tower set up on the beach. It is said that this dance began as a memorial to those who died in the Battle of Mizushima between the Genpei and Taira clans at the end of the Heian period. During the Obon period, all islanders, from children to the elderly, take part in the typical Bon dance, but once a year a special tour is held where you can see the dancers in traditional costumes.
How to get to Shiraishi Island Island in the Kasaoka Islands
You can get to Shiraishi Island by boat. Passenger-only boats depart from Sumiyoshi Pier at Kasaoka Port, about a 10-minute walk from JR Kasaoka Station. The journey takes about 35 minutes by regular boat and about 22 minutes by high-speed boat. The ferry, which can also carry cars, departs from Fushigoe Port, about a 20-minute walk from JR Kasaoka Station, and arrives in about 45 minutes. Last year's tour departed from Sumiyoshi Pier on a chartered boat.
Shiraishi Island| Matatabi Kasaoka
Arrived on the island!
After about a half hour cruise on the calm Seto Naikai, we arrived at the island. At the port, there is a stone monument with the words "Scenic Shiraishi Island" inscribed on it. This monument was erected in the 1930s, and it shows that Shiraishi Island has long been known as a scenic tourist destination.
A detailed explanation of Shiraishi Odori!
Taiko drums and large umbrellas were prepared on the sandy beach at dusk. The music for the Shiraishi Odori is sung to the beat of the taiko drum by a single singer (Ondotori). The Ondotori, dressed in formal attire (monfuku and hakama), sings powerfully under an umbrella. The drummer is a 90-year-old man from the island, who strikes the drum in perfect time with the singer. The music is said to be based on puppet theater and kabuki from the Edo period.
man dance
The Otoko-odori may be the most famous of the Shiraishi Odori. Its large, powerful movements make it a sight to behold. The dancers wear white haori over their black formal attire and large bamboo hats on their heads. The white haori looked beautiful against the setting sun.
Daughter Dance
The Daughter Dance is performed by newlyweds and young women who have not yet married. It is an elegant dance with particularly beautiful finger movements. The dancers wear purple formal kimonos and cover their faces with bright purple cloth. They use fans decorated with gold and silver, which makes for a very glamorous performance.
female dance
Women's dance is mainly performed by women middle-aged or older. It is a gorgeous, feminine dance with soft wrist and knee movements. Women wear kimonos, cover their heads and cheeks with hand towels, and wear a special hat called a "tsumaorigasa."
Yadori dance
The Yakko Dance is mainly performed by young men. It is a youthful and lively dance, and the dancers wear a short jacket called a hanten, white shorts, and a headband.
We danced together
There are apparently more than 13 different types of Shiraishi Odori Dance. The basic "Bura Bura Dance" and "Tsukimi Dance" are easy to remember, and I was able to learn them myself. The photo shows the "Kasa Dance," and the high school boys dancing it look really cool. On the day of the event, many university and high school students, as well as young people from the island, were active as guides and volunteers. It's clear that the tradition of Shiraishi Odori is being passed down to the next generation.
I was completely captivated by the graceful movements of the Shiraishi Odori. As I danced with the islanders and other tour participants, we all became friendly and enjoyed the Shiraishi Odori.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Recognition
In November 2022, the traditional Japanese dance "Furyu Dance" was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. From Okayama Prefecture, the Shiraishi Odori and the Omiya Dance from Maniwa City were registered. Last year was the first viewing event since the registration, where the certificate was presented and all participants celebrated the registration.
A historical walk on Shiraishi Island
After arriving at Shiraishi Island, we had a walking tour of the island for about an hour and a half until dusk. Our guide explained the history of Shiraishi Island , focusing on Kairyuji Temple, a temple associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai).
Fudoiwa Rock, where wishes come true
On the way to the inner sanctuary of Kairyuji Temple, there is a large rock called "Fudouiwa." It is said that if you place your forehead on the depression in the rock and chant your wish three times, your wish will come true. I tried it myself, and it was a place that felt like it had some mysterious power.
Kairyuji Temple, the temple where Kukai trained
It is said that Kobo Daishi (Kukai) stopped here on his way back from China and practiced asceticism for 37 days. There is a mysterious inner sanctuary with a huge rock covering it like a roof. The Buddha statue here is said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi himself, and is only open to the public once every 61 years.
Lots of retro buildings
On the way to Kairyuji Temple, there are many post offices and shops that retain an old-fashioned atmosphere. This barber shop in particular is still open. Apparently, a barber comes from the mainland to work there just a few days a week. The two barbers, using a pushcart, looked very happy as they were getting their hair cut.
The inn where Ino Tadataka stayed
The Matsuura residence (formerly the Komiyama village headman's residence), where Ino Tadataka, who created the first accurate map of Japan, stayed when he visited Shiraishi Island , also remains near the port.
Enjoying the Island Bon Festival
After enjoying the Shiraishi Odori and a historical tour of the island, we returned to Kasaoka Port on the 8:30pm boat. It was a special boat for the tour, but the last boat usually departs at 4pm.
You can only see the Shiraishi Odori, performed in beautiful traditional costumes, on a day trip once a year. It is usually held on a Saturday in July, so please check the official website of the Kasaoka City Tourism Association for the dates.
Kasaoka City Tourism Association Official Website
2024 [Shiraishi Odori] Experience Tour
Special Shiraishi Odori Viewing and Experience Event - Sunset, Costumes, and the Beach -
Previously, it was only possible to see this dance on a tour that was held once a year. However, the Shiraishi Odori Preservation Society's desire to make Shiraishi Odori known to more people led to the holding of a special Shiraishi Odori viewing and experience event. Please take this opportunity to enjoy the traditional culture that has been preserved and passed down on the island in a fantastical atmosphere.
*The events on Saturday, June 22nd and Saturday, August 3rd have been cancelled.
Event dates: July 27th (Sat), August 10th (Sat), 24th (Sat), 31st (Sat), September 14th (Sat), 28th (Sat)
Opening times: July and August: 7:00 PM, September: 6:30 PM
Location: Shiraishi Island Beach , Kasaoka City
Address: Shiraishi Island , Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture
Phone number: 0865-62-6622 ( Kasaoka City Tourism Association)
Access (public): From JR Kasaoka Station, walk for 10 minutes to Kasaoka Port (Sumiyoshi Pier), then take a 22-minute high-speed boat (approximately 35 minutes by regular boat). From JR Kasaoka Station, walk for 20 minutes to Fushigoe Port, then take a 45-minute ferry.
Meeting place: Shiraishi Island Beach , Kasaoka City
Meeting time: July and August: 7:00 PM, September: 6:30 PM
How to make a reservation: By phone or email (info@kasaoka-kankou.jp)
Capacity per session: 20 people
For applications and inquiries, please contact the Kasaoka City Tourism Association.
Kasaoka City Tourism Association
TEL 0865-62-6622
MAIL: info@kasaoka-kankou.jp
Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (open all year round except for New Year's holidays)
When applying, please let us know the desired date of participation, the number of participants, your name, address, and a phone number where you can be contacted on the day.
*The round-trip boat fare is not included in the participation fee.
*If the tour is cancelled, we will contact you by email at least one week before the tour date.
*Please note that photos taken on the day of the event may be used on social media and in future reports on the association's activities.
*There are no regular ferry services returning to Kasaoka after viewing, so please make your own accommodation reservations.
La Mar Shimanami Shiraishi Odori Appreciation and Experience Tour
This is a day trip tour that takes you on the Setouchi area's tourist train, La Mal de Bois, and allows you to learn about the Shiraishi Odori, which is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Kairyuji Temple, which was built under a megalith and is part of the Japan Heritage Site.
JR Okayama Station 10:19 → (La Mar Shimanami / Reserved seat in ordinary car) → JR Kasaoka Station 11:06 ... Kasaoka Port 11:30 ~ (by sea taxi) ~ Shiroishi Port 12:00 ... Kairyuji Temple ... Amagi-so (Lunch 13:00-14:00 / After lunch, explanation of Shiraishi Odori) ... Shiraishi Odori experience (14:20-15:30) ... Shiroishi Port 15:50 ~ (by sea taxi) ~ Kasaoka Port 16:20 ... JR Kasaoka Station 16:30 *End
Event dates: Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th, 2024
Event hours: 10:00-17:00
Location: Shiraishi Island
Address: Shiraishi Island , Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture
Phone number: 0865-62-6622 ( Kasaoka City Tourism Association)
Official website: Nippon Travel Agency Co., Ltd. | Official website
Experience fee: 9,000 yen for elementary school students and above
Meeting point: JR Okayama Station
Capacity: 20 people per day *First come, first served (reception will close once capacity is reached)
*Operates with 7 or more people
* If the minimum number of participants (7 people) is met 35 days before the tour, the tour will be held. Applications will continue up to 5 days before the tour.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.