🎎 Nagasaki Kunchi Festival

Suwa Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the deity of the Nagasaki Sō clan. Since 1634, the shrine has held a large autumn festival called "Nagasaki Kōnichi Matsuri" every year. This festival takes place over three days, from October 7 to 9. During the festival, the entire city of Nagasaki is enveloped in a festive atmosphere. The origin of the festival is said to be a folk song called "Ko Mai" performed by two courtesans in front of Suwa Shrine, which has been passed down to this day. The dynamic offering dance is a major feature of the festival activities. The town responsible for the offering dance is called "Odori-machi," divided into seven groups from 58 towns within Nagasaki City, with each group taking turns every seven years. The "performance content" of the offering dance includes dragon dances, whale spouting, and kokkodesho, all of which are designated as important intangible folk cultural assets of the country. Many of these performances incorporate exotic features from Dutch and Chinese cultures. Finally, the shout of "MOTTEKOOI," representing an encore, echoes through the skies. Suwa Shrine, Central Park, and the Otabisho all have paid viewing seats such as masu seats and benches, and Suwa Shrine also offers a lottery for free viewing seats. In the city center, you can see each Odori-machi performing the sacred dance "Niwazaki-mai" at commercial facilities, government offices, and residences. Before heading out, it’s advisable to check the official website for the performance schedule.

The Suwa Shrine Grand Festival, which has continued for about 390 years, features performances by the "Odori-machi" of the year. The ritual dance is designated as an important intangible folk cultural asset by the country. The unique dance is full of vitality. Spectacular ritual dances known as "Niwazaki-mai" can be seen on the streets.