Category:

Municipally Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property

Title:

Nisshin mochitsuki odori

Nisshin Mochitsuki Dance
日進餅つき踊り

Designated:

February 4, 1959

Conservation Group:

The Nisshin Mochitsuki Dance Preservation Society

Location

Nisshin-jinja Shrine

2-1194 Nisshincho, Kita Ward

Event Date:

January 1

Description:

During the Edo period (1603-1867), the Nakasendo highway was studded with post towns (shukuba) that were frequented by daimyo and soldiers. It is said that young post riders on the Nakasendo would make mochi to divert travelers from their journeys and provide them with refreshments. This form of entertainment was called “settai-mochi”. 

The Nisshin Mochitsuki Dance has two styles: “Shinshozuki-pounding”, where actual mochi is beaten; and “Kyokuzuki-pounding”, where the mortar is empty. There are three main “Kyokuzuki” pounding rhythms: abundance, good fortune, and victory.

Each new year is welcomed in by teams of four demonstrating rhythmic, perfectly synchronized mochitsuki dances.

Associated Texts:

(1960). “Cultural Properties in Omiya” (vol. 1). Omiya Municipal Board of Education.

(1965). “Cultural Properties in Omiya”. Omiya Municipal Board of Education.

(1986). “Cultural Properties in Omiya” (vol. 2). Omiya Board of Education.

Please be courteous towards other visitors, worshippers, locals, and the preservation group when enjoying this cultural property.

Inquiries (Japanese only)

Cultural Heritage Preservation Division, Department of Lifelong Learning, Board of Education Secretariat　

TEL：048-829-1723 FAX：048-829-1989

https://www.city.saitama.jp/004/005/006/001/019/012/003/p000481.html