Hi Edubloggers,

In this third post, I will talk about the city of Tohoku’s  biggest festivals known as the Sansa Odori or more formally, “Morioka Sansa Odori.”

It is one of the Five Great Festivals of Tohoku. The Guinness Book of World records made the festival more known because it was listed as the “largest Taiko Drum Festival in the World” evoking more than  10,000 taiko drummers and dancers to celebrate in the city.

The origins of this festival arise from a legend. It is said that Sansa dance began when a wicked demon was punished by the god of Mitsuishi Shrine. The god made the demon swear that he would never do bad deeds again, and as a sign of his pledge, the demon placed his hand on a large rock and left a hand print. The locals rejoiced, dancing around the rock.

This story explains the origin of Sansa, as well as the name “Iwate,” which means “rock hand.” The choreography for the main Sansa Odori parade on Chuodori Street is modern and simplified, but you can also see traditional and more dynamic Sansa dances at other venues such as Ekimae Hiroba in front of the station and at various halls.