“Furyu-odori” refers to various local ritual folk dances, characterized by glamorous costumes accompanied with songs, gong-ringing, and drum-beating. These dances have been performed at certain times of the year for centuries and have been transmitted from generation to generation mainly in rural areas throughout Japan. The nomination encompasses 41 representative furyu-odori of each area. Life in rural areas was easily affected by severe climate events such as typhoons, droughts, and earthquakes. Local people of such areas created ritualistic performances imbued with their earnest hopes for a tranquil life. They dance furyu-odori for numerous purposes, including end of plagues, repose of the deceased, and praying for a good harvest or safety from such disasters. The eye-catching costumes, lively dances and songs and other accompaniments are indispensable for furyu-odori, since they dispel evil spirits and misfortune and strengthen good forces, such as local deities and ancestral spirits that protect the communities. While sharing commonalities, furyu-odori have evolved into different forms in response to socio-cultural differences in each region. There are several classifications for furyu-odori; one of them is bon-odori, practiced as part of the Bon festival that takes place in July or August throughout Japan. A large group dance is performed in order to repose and entertain ancestral spirits that return home for several days in the Bon period. People also practice other kinds of furyu-odori, which are kouta-odori (dances with short songs), nenbutsu-odori (dances with Buddhist chanting), taiko-odori (dances with drumming), or hayashimono (dances accompanied by objects in which deities dwell).

Japan 2022