Tag: History and Culture

The Kaiko Memorial Hall, kaiko meaning silkworm is dedicated to Uegaki Morikuni who was a famous figure for his impact in the silkworm industry. The exhibition shows a silkworm house from the start of the Showa era which was restored, and shows the living situation of the farmers during that time. Kaiko no Sato and…

Maisou Matsuri is a fire festival held on January 14th every year, and is a traditional practice that is dedicated to the Mii Shrine. Japanese devils, or oni are hit on by locals to wish for a healthy year. The oni wear kokimen or masks, and hold wooden shields called kiboko. According to a legend…

Out of the many “Zanzaka” dances in the Tajima Region, this one is known to have the longest history. The dancers wear momohiki (traditional Japanese bottoms) and tsutsusode (kimono dress sleeve) while dancing and shouting “zanzakazakazaka, zanzaka zatto.” The lyrics, movement and costume of the dance is from the later half of the Muromachi period.…

Held at the Mizutani Shrine in Yabu “Nettei Sumo” was a court ritual that has been practiced since the Heian Period. The sacred practice is done on all fours which is said to ward off the evil spirits. Two men dressed in blue Kamishimo (a ceremonial dress) appear, and a series of ritual gestures is…

Yamada Fuutaro is a famous writer who has had many of his works made in to films and theater shows including “Mahou Tensei” and his “Ninpou Series”. His work Basilisk 〜The Kōga Ninja Scrolls was also made into an animated series. The memorial is built near Sekinomiya Elementary school, where Yamada attended school as a…

Osugi Zanzako Odori is a traditional performance where the dancers carry a 2 meter fan on their backs and perform and dance in the center. The dancers chant and strum the drums while they powerfully move to the beat in a circle. A separate name is given to this dance called Oni Odori which means…

Designated as national cultural property in 1997, the Yagi Castle Ruins represents the military commander Yagi of the Tajima Region. Behind the ruins is the 400-year history of the Yagi family from the Kamakura, Sengoku and Toyotomi periods. The ruins of the castle are composed by the roof ruins from the Kamakura period, earthen castle…

The Asakura Castle Ruins is the birthplace of the Japanese feudal lord; Asakura who ruled the Ichizen Province (Fukui Prefecture) during the Sengoku Period. Lord Asakura was the prince under Emperor Kotoku, and he became the new King of Hyomai. During the start of the Heiian period, he changed his last name to the match…

As one climbs the uphill slope, they will be impressed by the appearance of the Nagusa-jinja Shrine. At the eighth stop of the Myoken Mountain, the three-storied pagoda can be found. The pagoda was gifted by Izumo Taisha during the great renovation after Yabu-shi gifted them a Myokensugi Tree in 1665. The pagoda reaches a…

Within the Osugi district in Oya, many 3-storied silkworm houses can be found. This rural landscape is representative of the historic culture of silk farming. Found along the Tani River, storehouses and barns revolving around the silkworm houses and other traditional buildings can be found. The Osugi district is in the northern area of Hyogo…