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Traditional arts and cultural assets provide a valuable means by which to learn about local history and life. Traditions passed down through the generations may be a key to showing us the way of living in the future.
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| Folk Dance Loved by Lord Date |
The rice planting dance was performed in each region of Kurokawa many years
ago, but today it is only still danced in the Hara area of Tomiya. This
dance is called the "Tomiya Rice Planting Dance" and is designated
as an intangible cultural property by the Prefecture. It is said that the
dance in this area was particularly praised when there was a local dance
contest in the presence of Lord Date. The dancers were given special permission
to use "bamboo blades" of "sparrows on bamboo", which
is the family crest of the Data family. The bamboo blades currently used
on the dancers' costumes are derived from this history.
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| Solemn and Graceful Kagura (Shinto Dance and Music) Traditions |
There are two kinds of Kagura in town. The Eidai Kagura of the Sakaki school was handed down by the parishioners of the Kashima Amatariwake Shrine. The Nambu Kagura of the Amatsu school was handed down by the parishioners of the Imaizumi Hachiman Shrine.
The Kagura handed down in Ohgame belongs to the Sakaki school and was designated as an intangible cultural property by the town in 1963. It is a graceful male dance of expression through motion without the use of words or lyrics. It is demonstrated as an annual event of the Kashima Amatariwake Shrine. The Nambu Kagura of the Amatsu school is a festivity of the Yahata Shrine and is dedicated in hopes of an ample harvest and the general welfare of the household. After World War II, it was discontinued, but was later resurrected by young people. With support from the later established preservation society, it was designated as an intangible cultural property by the town in 1978.
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| Cultural Assets - Watching the Current of the Times |
Yusen-ji Temple, established in 1576, has been watching over Tomiya for four centuries. The "Golden Dragon" and the "Peony and Chinese Lion" in the main hall are works made in the late Edo Period (1603 - 1868) and are designated as tangible cultural properties by the town because of their artistic value.
A stone statue found under the floor of Atago Shrine is valued as the verification of the origin of Tomiya Shin machi.
Local performing arts and handicrafts in each region demonstrate not only their values but also the depth of the history. |
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