11, 14, 15, 18 September 2022・Location: Osaki Hachiman Shrine, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture...
Colorful Sparrows Bring Life and Excitement to The Osaki Hachiman Shrine!
After a three-year hiatus due to covid, Hachiman's signature event finally returns this year! Held for the first time in 2001, this festival, which takes place on the 11, 14, 15 & 18 of September, features various traditional and celebratory events. The most popular, is Sendai's reknowned Suzume Odori (lit. Sparrow Dance), held on September 11. The sparrow is one of Sendai's most iconic symbols and even appears on one of the Date family crests!
Suzume Odori has been passed down in Hachiman for generations and is believed to have evolved from an improvised dance, which was first performed at the feast held to celebrate the completion of Aoba Castle in 1603. Witnessing this local dance feels just like watching a sparrow's elegant movements, from the small jumps that mimick the hopping of sparrows, to the graceful spinning and whirling of fans that remind the viewer of feathers. Suzume Odori is truly a sight to behold, performed in true matsuri style to the beat of drums, flutes, and cymbals.
This is just one of the must-see events featured at the Hachiman Shrine's Annual Festival. The 18th hosts a wide variety of interesting events such as Mochi Maki rice cake scattering, more Suzume Dancing, and Kagura performances!
Check the Schedule below for details!
Annual Festival Schedule
September 11
10:00 Donto Road Hachiman Suzume Odori
September 14
16:00 Kensen Food Offering Ceremony
18:30 Noh performance with Kagura musical dance
September 15
10:00 Annual Ceremony
September 18
11:00 Shinkosai Mikoshi Togyo Portable Shrine Procession
12:20 Mochi Maki rice cake scattering event
14:00 Suzume Odori
15:00 – 17:00 Various Rakugo Performances
Details
Official Page: unavailable
Time: from 10:00
Entry Fee: None
Location: Osaki Hachiman Shrine, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
Written by Catrina Sugita
Writer & 2022 Editor-in-Chief