About
the Owara Kaze no Bon
Festival

The Beginnings of the Owara Kaze no Bon Festival

The Owara Kaze no Bon Festival is held at the beginning of fall, 210 days after the first day of spring, when the winds begin to blow. The Festival is a traditional event with a 300-year history dating back to the Genroku Era (around 1700 AD). Since long ago, many people have come to visit, and even to this day, many people continue to visit.
The Owara Kaze no Bon Festival begins when the mountains turn red with the setting sun and the bonbori lanterns, lined along the rows of houses, are lit with a faint glow. Wearing matching yukata and happi coats, the dancers peek through the gaps in their traditional braided hats as they dance gracefully and delicately. Each town has its own set of traditions and characteristics, which are displayed fully in the singing and dancing of the festival during the parade. Behind the town procession, people naturally join one by one, captivated by the sorrowful melodies, gradually becoming immersed in the spirit of the Owara festival.

The History of Owara

When did the Owara festival begin? While the exact date is uncertain due to the lack of precise records, it is believed to have started in March 1702. The festival is said to have originated when Yoneya Shobei, the founder of the town of Yatsuo, successfully reclaimed the special permit needed to establish the town. This achievement led to a grand celebration, with the entire town parading for three days and three nights. During the springtime festivities, lively performances featuring shamisen, taiko drums, shakuhachi, and other instruments were accompanied by folk songs and joruri (a type of sung narrative with shamisen). Participants donned elaborate costumes as they paraded. Over time, the festival was moved to coincide with Urabon-e, held on the 15th day of the seventh month of the old Japanese calendar. It became known as “Kaze no Bon,” a festival dedicated to the repose of the wind god, and is now celebrated from September 1st to 3rd.

About Owara

In the Edo Period, local experts in traditional performing arts from Yatsuo created a song in the 7-5 rhythm pattern, which included the word “Owarahi” (meaning “great laughter”). This song was sung during the parade through the town, and it is said that this practice led to the name “Owara.” There are various theories about the origin of the name, such as the “Owara Theory,” which suggests that it originated from a wish for a bountiful harvest and a desire for straw bundles to grow larger, and the “Ohara Village Theory,” which proposes that it began with a girl from nearby Ohara Village singing the song.

About the Kaze no Bon Festival

Many typhoons typically occur around the period before and after the 210th day after the first day of spring. A prayer to appease the wind god is performed to prevent damage to crops before harvest and to seek blessings for a bountiful and abundant harvest. Thus, the festival is called Kaze no Bon (Wind festival). Additionally, there is a local custom where holidays are referred to as “Bon” in contexts such as “seed planting bon” or “transplanting bon,” which suggests that the name might have originated from this practice.

Echoes That Accompany the Song

The jikata play an indispensable role in the Owara Kaze no Bon Festival. The jikata are the performers who sing, perform in a hayashi band, and perform with instruments such as the shamisen, taiko drums, and kokyu. The shamisen provides a melody that is followed by the kokyu to add a melancholy tone. The taiko drummers beat a light rhythm, while the hayashi band players provide instrumental accompaniment for the singers. Singing styles vary by area, so please try and enjoy the contrast between the deeply emotional songs and the uniquely melancholic melodies.

The 3 Owara Dances

The “Owara no Bon”, like other folk songs, started as just singing. Over time, musical instruments accompanied the song and then a dance was also added. The dance performed in the past has changed over time and currently there are three different ways to perform the dance.
It is said that the dance originated in 1911 at an event to commemorate the 1,000th issue of the Hokuriku Times (the predecessor of the Kitanippon Shimbun), when the geisha girls at the event improvised the dance.

Harvest Festival Dance

This dance is a very old dance that takes inspiration from the many typical movements involved in farming such as sowing and harvesting rice. Both the male and female dances are referred to as the “new dances,” which is why this particular dance is often referred to as the “old dance.”
Male Dance

This dance was choreographed for the male stage by the Japanese dance master Wakayagi Kichisaburo. It is a straightforward and simple dance that displays a fascinating combination of both strength and grace while incorporating farm work gestures.
Female Dance

The female dance can also be referred to as the “Four Season Dance” and was choreographed for Kosugi Hoan’s poem “Yatsuo Shiki” (a poem about the four seasons in Yatsuo). Later, movements were added, representing women entertaining themselves by catching fireflies to complete the dance.

The Unique Characteristics of Each of the 11 Town Subdivisions

The Owara Kaze no Bon Festival takes place in 11 towns known as the “old towns.” Each of the 11 towns has its own subdivision of the Toyama Prefecture Folk Song Etchu-Yatsuo Owara Preservation Society. The Owara Bushi music and dance performance is generally performed similarly; however, there are variations in singing and dancing depending on the subdivision, due to the old traditional characteristics that still remain to this day.

Nishishinmachi

Among the 11 subdivisions, this one is the southernmost and is commonly known as “Shin-yashiki” (the new house). During the parade, male dancers perform by squatting low and then quickly standing up, while female dancers showcase a graceful and delicate style, making for an impressive and captivating performance.
Higashishinmachi

Among the 11 subdivisions, this one is located at the highest elevation. Young girls can be seen dancing dressed in pretty saotome (unmarried girls tasked with planting rice in paddies) clothing. There is a Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine dedicated to silkworms, and the Owara dance that is performed on the shrine grounds has a unique style.
Suwamachi

This subdivision, situated on the gentle slope adjacent to Higashishinmachi, retains a charming hill town ambiance, with bonbori lanterns lining the streets. The flowing water on both sides of the roads and the echoes bouncing off the houses along the narrow lanes create a perfect backdrop for the Owara music.
Kagamimachi

In the past, this subdivision was a thriving geisha district, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Originally called the “Geisha Dance,” the performance by female dancers was renowned for its glamour and charm. Today, this area is famous for the Otaya stairs, where spectators gather to watch the captivating performances.
Kamishinmachi

This subdivision is located in the old town with the widest roads, making it the easiest place among the towns to enjoy watching the parade. At 10 p.m., the dancers begin to dance in a large circle, and visitors also join in, making it a very popular event.
Higashimachi

Among the subdivisions, this one is located in one of the oldest towns. It’s said that in the past, the town had a row of many large stores to the point that it was known as the “Gentlemen’s District.” This subdivision differs from the others due to the different colored clothes the female dancers wear, which show the playful spirit of the gentlemen of that time.
Nishimachi

The old town for this subdivision, much like Higashimachi, is situated in the city center and was once a bustling gentlemen’s district. In the afternoon, on Zendera Bridge beneath Zendera Hill, with the stone wall as a backdrop, performers dance in a distinctive circular style, creating a unique and captivating scene.
Imamachi

This subdivision is situated in front of the historic Monmyoji Temple. Here, the dance features young men and women performing together—a tradition said to have originated in this very subdivision and has been meticulously preserved since its inception.
Shitashinmachi

This subdivision is situated at the entrance to the old towns from Fukujima. The Hachiman Shrine, located midway up the slope, becomes the focal point of the Hikiyama Festival during the spring, serving as the main site for the Hikiyama offering ceremony. A special characteristic of this subdivision is the vermillion color scheme of the women's yukata.
Tenmancho

This subdivision is located in a town that is surrounded on the north, east, and west sides by rivers. During the Owara song, performers shout “Korashotto” as the pitch of the song is lowered to create a powerful, unique singing style known as “Kokubo Owara.”
Fukujima

Among all the subdivisions, this one is the newest, established mainly by residents who relocated from the old town. Despite its relatively short history, it boasts the largest number of dancers. The extensive number of dancers cause the parade to overflow onto the wide roads, creating a distinctive and impressive spectacle unique to this subdivision.

Modern-Day Owara

In June, the singers and people of each town come together to practice before displaying the results of their practice at the “Onshukai” presentation as well as at the “Owara Performance Recital,” which takes place during July and is held by the Preservation Society. Finally, the performers are ready to welcome the Owara Kaze no Bon Festival, which takes place from September 1st–3rd. The Owara Kaze no Bon Festival starts every year at 17:00 and features each of the 11 subdivisions marching in a parade at their own separate locations, with some divisions featuring a special stage. Each subdivision features differing dance moves, yukata colors and patterns, and even different song lyrics, so we recommend seeing the performances from different towns and comparing their unique differences.

To Learn More About the Owara Kaze No Bon FestivalVisit the Official Site of the Etchu-Yatsuo Owara Preservation Society

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Experience Owara in Comfort:
Premium Seating Plan for a Relaxed Viewing Experience

The 2024 “Owara Kaze no Bon Festival Stage” will be held at three locations: a special stage in front of Etchu-Yatsuo Station, a special stage at the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, and the Owara Performance Site at the Yatsuo Elementary School grounds. At the Toyama City Yatsuo Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, you can take a seat at the scheduled time and enjoy a relaxed viewing of the event. (Admission fee: unreserved seat, 3,500 yen).
Also, a special, exclusive plan is available for those who want to enjoy the festival in luxury. For more information, please check out the details below.

Special Stage Presented by Competitive Banquet

Special “Etchu Yatsuo Owara Kaze no Bon Festival” Performance Plan

Request for operational support (donation) and
About Thrusting Goods for Life

The Owara Kaze no Bon Festival is a traditional event with a 300-year history dating back to the Genroku Era (around 1700 AD).
Yatsuo is an important transportation hub connecting Etchu and Hida and has developed as a center of the Japanese paper and sericulture industries. “Owara Kaze no Bon Festival” has gained popularity as a local cultural tradition and is said to be a festival that everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime.

Going forward, to ensure the continued preservation of the Owara Kaze no Bon Festival, it will be essential to have the ongoing cooperation of the local community, as well as the understanding and support of everyone who loves the festival.
In order to pass this event on to the next generation with peace of mind, We would like to ask for your support to ensure that this event is passed on to future generations with peace of mind.

Support the “Etchu Yatsuo Owara Kaze no Bon Festival” with donations and goods!

Donate to Support Us

Donations received will help support the management and continuation of the Owara Kaze no Bon Festival.

Buy Goods to Support Us

Promotional goods such as fans containing the 11 town crests and hand towels designed by a famous designer are now on sale.

Our Humble Request for Your Support

The cooperation of everyone who loves the Owara Kaze no Bon festival is essential to allow more people to enjoy the festival and for the festival to be passed on to the next generation. Please support us with your donation.

Donate

*Original goods will be given to supporters who go to the venue when the event is being held and donate 3,000 yen or more. (Please note that the number and types of original goods are limited.)

Donations can also be made in cash at the “Information Desk” at the September 1-3 festival site.
There are seven information centers.
Click here for MAP

Click for Details About the Original Goods

The Owara no Bon Festival is held at Higashishinmachi, Nishishinmachi, Suwamachi, Kagamimachi, Kamishinmachi, Higashimachi, Nishimachi, Imamachi, Shitashinmachi, Tenmancho, and Fukujima, for a total of 11 different locations. The clothes worn in each neighborhood are different, and each has its own style of singing and dancing.
For the first time ever, the crests of each neighborhood have been used to design the fans that are now on sale. A limited number of fans made of Yatsuo Washi, a traditional local craft paper, are also available.
Also available are original hand towels designed by global fashion designer Keita Maruyama, who is celebrating 30 years of global success.
Please help to support the continuation of the Owara Kaze no Bon Festival by buying the original goods!
All profits received will be used to support the operation and continuation of the festival.

◎ 11 Neighborhood Crest Design Fans

◎ Hand Towels

KEITA MARUYAMA” celebrates its 30th anniversary and is involved in various collaborations.

Fashion designer Keita Maruyama was born in Harajuku, Tokyo.
He has been active as a designer since 1990, and presented his first collection in Paris in 1997. Since then, he has been involved in many collaborations with major companies, including licensing projects, in addition to his own brand.
In recent years, he has been actively expanding his activities into the fields of “food” and “housing”.

Original Design Hand Towels

Click here for sales website

*For purchases made through the e-commerce site, delivery to your home is scheduled for late September or later.
*Sales will also be available at a special booth in front of Hikiyama Kaikan on the day of the festival. (Limited quantity)

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About the Owara Kaze no Bon Festival

The Beginnings of the Owara Kaze no Bon Festival

The History of Owara

About Owara

About the Kaze no Bon Festival

Echoes That Accompany the Song

The 3 Owara Dances

Harvest Festival Dance

Male Dance

Female Dance

The Unique Characteristics of Each of the 11 Town Subdivisions

Nishishinmachi

Higashishinmachi

Suwamachi

Kagamimachi

Kamishinmachi

Higashimachi

Nishimachi

Imamachi

Shitashinmachi

Tenmancho

Fukujima