Dancing the Nishimonai Bon Odori – Carrying on a Family Tradition

In 2022, 41 Japanese folk dances classified as Furyu-odori were inscribed as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO. One of these is the “Bon-odori in Nishimonai” from Ugo, Akita. A unique feature of this festival is the costume worn by its main dancers, called hanui. Only dancers with a high level of skill are allowed to wear the hanui in the festival. Made by sewing together pieces of old kimonos to create a symmetrical design, they are handed down in families over generations. With the hanui, the tradition of Nishimonai Bon Odori is carried on in the community. #JapanVideoTopics #BonOdori #BonDance