A Must-See! Frog Dance

What comes to mind when you hear "Frog Dance"? On October 5, the "Frog Dance," one of Tambasasayama's three most unique festivals, was held at Sumiyoshi Shrine in Kamionohara, Imada-cho, Tambasasayama City. True to its name, this festival features dances resembling frogs, performed as an offering of gratitude and joy for the autumn harvest.

At night, the young members of the "Onobara Sumiyoshi Shrine Kagura Preservation Society" gather at Sumiyoshi Shrine, beginning with a visit to the main hall to offer their prayers. Following this, the Frog Dance (Kaeru Odori) begins in the long hall (Nagatoko).

There are two types of dances. The first is called "Sō Dengaku," which symbolizes the harvest. This dance expresses rice harvesting through movement and involves two groups: dancers holding bamboo strips and drummers. The dancers, chanting "Hee-tsu, Hee-tsu," perform movements reminiscent of rice reaping and threshing.

It might sound simple when put into words, but endlessly repeating the same movements seems quite challenging. However, the act of continuously performing the same motions conveys a sense of gratitude for the harvest and respect for the myriad gods of Shinto. Incidentally, the name of the dance is said to come from the chant "Hee-tsu, Hee-tsu," which is repeated throughout, and the shout "Kaero, Kaero" when the dancers and drummers switch roles, both of which sound like a frog’s croak.

A Unique Festival Featuring Over an Hour of Dance

Without rest, the dance transitions to the "Izu-mai," another offering performance. This dance depicts cranes descending into rice fields to celebrate a bountiful harvest, spreading their wings, mimicking flapping gestures, and leaping energetically. Performed by the Onohara Sumiyoshi Shrine Kagura Preservation Society, the dance vividly brings the presence of cranes to life. Combined with the earlier performance, the dances last over an hour.

“It’s not only challenging to memorize the entire sequence but also physically demanding. Yet, we want to preserve it for future generations,” say members of the preservation society. This rare and unique festival has been passed down for years, embodying the culture of Tambasasayama. Held annually in early October, it’s a must-see event. Don’t miss it!