Japanese Folk Dance

Traditionally, the Japanese folk performing arts include the ceremonies, plays, music, and dance of ordinary working people (such as farmers and fishermen). Handed down from generation to generation, these arts originated in the daily rituals of local communities, and are celebrated in many Japanese festivals and popular events.

Among the Japanese people, dancing is an integral part of life, whether as a spectator or participant. Early dances originated as the expressing of a need: to revere a God or spirit, to celebrate a good harvest, to pray for a good catch, or to drive away a demon. Each dance strongly reflects the spirit and characteristic nature of each region; thusly, each town has its own original folk dance, which is performed at local festivals each season.

Folk dances where the central theme is praying for earthly concerns (e.g., weather and good fortune) are primarily Shinto dances. Conversely, dances related to the afterlife (in particular praying for one’s ancestors) are Buddhist in origin.