Hanawa Bayashi

Hanawa Bayashi is a traditional festival held annually on August 19 and 20 in Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and a National Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Property, it is celebrated as one of the three major “bayashi” (festival music) events in Japan.

The festival honors the deity of Sakiwai-jinja Shrine. Its primary feature is the procession of ten “yatai” floats, representing the various neighborhoods of the former Hanawa town. These floats are detailed examples of local craftsmanship, featuring intricate woodcarvings, gold leaf, and lacquerwork. Unlike many other festivals where music is intermittent, the performances here—characterized by complex flute melodies and rhythmic taiko drumming—continue throughout the event.

A significant highlight occurs on the night of August 19, when all ten floats assemble in front of Hanawa Station for a coordinated musical display. The festivities culminate at midnight during the “O-shizume” ritual, as the floats begin their return to their respective districts. The event is a critical preservation of Edo-period culture, focusing on musical precision and the maintenance of historical architectural styles without the use of modern embellishments.