The Bon-Odori Season ASAHI Dance Festivals of Summer Many dance festivals are observed by the Japanese. There are two main reasons for this, but first of all. it is im- portant to remember that Japan was made up chiefly ‘of mountain, farming, and fishing villages before the Meiji period. Rice plants grow rapidly in the summer, but there is al- ways the threat of typhoons before harvest time. ““Nihya- Kutoka,” which usually falls ‘on September 1, Was always a day dreaded by the Japa- nese. It was the time when the rice plants flowered, ‘As one way of appeasing the gods and assuaging their own fears and anxieties, the Japanese staged dance’ fes- tivals at shrines and temples. These dances were prayers for rich harvests. ‘The Hon- dori, still observed today, fs one of the best known forms of these dances. As explained many times be- fore, the Japanese worshiped ‘the spirits of thelr ancestors. ‘The Japanese of ancient times believed that the most effec- tive way of beseeching the protection of the gods was to offer dances which the gods liked best. People of Southeast Asia also dedicate their dances to their gods. The Bon-Odorl is observed on July 1345 of the lunar year, which corresponds -to ‘August 1214 of the solar calendar, Lately, however, the Odori has been observed in July in many districts here. In the Bon-Odori, the danc- ers form a circle ‘and dance round and round. ‘The center is reserved for’ the deities, ‘This form is called “danran,” which means ‘to enjoy by forming a circle.” ‘The Bon-Odori is observed By Kokichi Nagata inall parts of Japan, but those in the remote districts “of Nagano and Miyazaki prefec- tures are the oldest forms. ‘The Bon-Odonl which are most famed for thelr gorge- ‘ous costumes and musical in- struments are the Nishiyarno- nai ‘of Akita Prefecture, Soma of Fukushima Pretec: ture, Nikko Warakn-Odorl of Tochigi, Izu Shichito of To- kyo, .Sado-Odori of Niigata, Hida Takayama-Odori of Gifu, Goshu Ondo of Shiga, Fukuchiyama of Kyoto, Kawacht Ondo of Osaka, Hatsuse of Nara, Kumano of Wakayama, Okubo Odori of Awaji Island, Takamatsu of Kagawa, Awa Odori of Toku- shima, Oki of Shimane, Hiko- san Odorl of Fukuoka, ‘suru- saki Odori of Oita, Tsushima of Nagasaki, Tanegashima of Kagoshima, and _Hachigatsu Odori of Amami Oshima, ‘The Awa Odorl of ‘Toku- shima is the most entertain ing of these dances. It is ob- served from August 13 to 15. Ut is reported that this Gdori draws crowds of more than 500,000 exch year. ‘The most restrained and plaintive dances are those Performed on the islands, Tau. Shichito, Sado and Iki were formerly islands to which criminals were ban- ished. Even an Emperor was banished to one of these islands. The Odori of these Islands show the influence of ancient Kyoto culture. Visi- tors to these districts should find it very interesting to at- tend the Bon-Odori of these islands. - Another reason for summer dances is to cast out evil in- fluences that. cause epidemics. ‘The ancient people believed that epidemics were caused by the wrath of the gods. Dances were performed, to drive out evil gods from a village. ‘The evil spirits were lured out of the village to the viver or sea by the dancers. These dances, too, are per formed. in all parts of the country, In some districts they are observed together with the Bon-Odorl, Other places use gaily decorated floats, dolls oF fire. Drums, flutes and cymbals ave used in these dances, One ‘of the best known is the “Ne- puta” of Aomori Prefecture. ‘This dance, in revue form, is now being staged at the Asakusa Kokusai Gekijo. ‘The “Nebuta” is recorded as hav- ing been introduced about 1- 200 years ago by a warrior who arrived in the Tohoku area to subdue the invaders, ‘This, however, 1s not correct. As the name of the dance avggests, it was designed to overcome drowsiness, which is the enemy of work. ‘:Ne- Duta” means “sleepy.” ‘The Japanese of olden times be- lieved that drowsiness during work was caused by evil spi- tits. Since the winters are long in the ‘Tohoku area, it will not do to get sleepy during working hours, Therefore, big dolls believed to embody the evil spirits are thrown into the river, Nowadays, the dance is performed for enjoy- ment only, but its history in- dicates the hardships of the farmers of long ago. Other well-known Odori are the Daimoku Odori of Kyoto City performed on August 15- 1G, Kanko Odori of Mie Pre- fecture (August 15), Fire Dance of Awaji (August 16), Gujiyo Odori (Gifu, August 13 and 16). Shishimai (Shibata in Niigata Prefecture, August 15), Shishimai (Hachioji, ‘To- , Kyd, August 26), Hiyama-mat / (Akita Prefecture, middle of August),