Every summer in Mihara, Hiroshima Prefecture, Yassa Matsuri transforms the city into a great living scene. This popular festival, centered around the improvised dance Yassa Odori, attracts residents and visitors in a festive atmosphere rhythmic by percussions, traditional songs and collective energy.
A summer festival with port origins
The Yassa Matsuri is held each year in August for three days, closing on the second Sunday of the month. Although its exact origins are uncertain, it would be linked toHaiya-bushi, a folk song born in port cities, and possibly influenced by theNenbutsu Odori, a form of dance linked to Buddhist songs. It is said that the first form of dance would have emerged in 1567, when the inhabitants celebrated the completion of Mihara Castle, built by Takakage Kobayakawa. This festive and community context remains at the heart of the current Yassa Odori spirit.
Free and expressive dance
The Yassa Odori is distinguished by its free form. Before World War II, each danced in his own way, without a fixed choreography. This spontaneous character continued, even though some actions were standardized after the war to structure dance groups. The dance is accompanied by taiko, shamisen and songs punctuated with the shouting “Yassa, yassa”. The dancers, dressed in yukata, follow the steps in an electric atmosphere. The processions winding through the streets of Mihara until late in the night, mixing generations and styles, in a continuous and communicative movement.
National recognition
In 1970, the Yassa Odori was presented at the Universal Expo of Osaka. This moment marks a turning point in its reputation. Shortly thereafter, a troupe was created to preserve and promote this tradition. She even goes to the United States for a cultural tour. Since then, the Yassa Matsuri has become an emblematic citizen festival of Mihara, alongside the spring Shinmeisai. The event attracts thousands of visitors every year and mobilizes many local volunteers, in a spirit of hospitality and transmission.
Participate in Yassa Matsuri
The festival takes place mainly around Mihara station, accessible via the Sanyō line. Visitors can easily attend in summer, including a full dance and music evening. Some groups accept the participation of volunteers or tourists, provided that they comply with the safety regulations and regulations. It is also possible to enjoy local food stands, parallel activities and cultural demonstrations. The Yassa Matsuri thus offers a lively look at a joyous facet of summer Japan, to discover in rhythm and in motion.
The Yassa Matsuri, with its collective energy and popular roots, embodies a unique moment of Japanese summer. In Mihara, local identity is expressed through the movement, music and festive reception of a community that dances in the heart of the city.
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