【🪭The Arayama Dance Took Place✨】

On September 27th, the "Arayama Dance," which is registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, was held✨

Unfortunately, it rained heavily, so this year the performance took place indoors at the Arayama Hall, but there were many guests at the venue!👏

Being indoors allowed for a closer distance between the performers and the audience, creating a warm and lively atmosphere filled with cheers and laughter throughout the day☺️✨

In the morning, the children from Sakamoto Elementary School also participated in the drumming and performances🥁
Additionally, students from Gokase Secondary School energized the venue in their traditional outfits!

Moreover, the students spontaneously joined in the Arayama Dance🤩
It was heartwarming to see the dancers teaching while dancing, and by the end, everyone was able to dance!
The sight of generations dancing together was truly delightful☺️💕

The Arayama Dance involves many roles, with various songs, dances, and complex rhythms. While we felt the tradition passed down through long practices, there were also moments of interacting with the audience, switching roles, and hearing shouts like "Lift your feet higher!" and "Keep going from here!"…😂

And when the "monkey" approached the children, picking them up and patting their heads with a fan, cries could be heard from all around🤣🐒 (It seemed a bit scary for the kids. Haha)

While the vibrant costumes look beautiful under the blue sky, the closeness and warm interactions between the performers and the audience created a unique scene that was perhaps only possible on a rainy day😌🌿

Despite the rain, this year's Arayama Dance was filled with many smiles and excitement. We were able to witness how the community cherishes and passes this tradition on to the next generation✨

Thank you to all the performers and everyone who came out in the rain! You truly did a great job!👏✨