The quaint town of Yatsuo outside Toyama City comes alive with the Owara Kaze no Bon Festival every year from September 1 to 3. This tribute to Japan’s cultural heritage features mysterious songs and elegant traditional dances. This all-night Bon Odori festival draws in as many as 200,000 sightseers from all over Japan. The festival primarily takes place on the streets and stages throughout the town.
Owara Kaze no Bon Festival
Photo by: PIXTA/ mark. Nowadays, the festival remains a symbol of hope and gratitude.
The festival is called “Owara,” and its name may have various origins. It may come from the word “oowara” which means abundant harvest, or Owara village, where young girls sang songs. However, the most likely origin is from the word Oowarai meaning lots of laughter.
The name ‘Kaze no bon‘ (Bon Dance of the Wind) is thought to have its origins in local holidays related to activities like seed-sowing and planting during this season. During stormy seasons, people have this holiday to pray for safety from storm damage. Basically, the festival was established to appease the wind God and seek blessings for fruitful harvests, serving as a significant event for the local community. Nowadays, it remains a symbol of hope and gratitude.
Festival highlights
Photo by: PIXTA/pirikara Watch the ghostly nighttime dances.
Yatsuo’s historic district is where the festival takes place. The lattice-doored old wooden houses and storehouses become illuminated with thousands of paper lanterns that create a magical atmosphere as the night falls. The whole atmosphere captivates the senses and transports visitors back to bygone days. The festival’s unique style includes synchronized moves, straw hats and identical happi coats and yukatas. Owara’s women stand out throughout the celebration. High-pitched vocals accompanied the folk dances, while traditional shamisen (3-stringed Japanese guitars) and taiko drums played, fascinating onlookers.
Visitors gather in Yatsuo to watch the ghostly nighttime dances that have been around for over 400 years. Dancers from 11 towns, each adorned in vibrant attire, showcase unique performance styles of their respective towns. After the festival, to avoid traffic issues, it’s best to book a hotel in the Yatsuo area.
