Atami City, located on Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture coastline, recently celebrated its longstanding tradition known as the 'Mizubase Odori-shiki' or the water splash dance ceremony, held at the historical Shimotaga Shrine. This ceremony, which has roots going back to the Edo period, has adapted over time, reflecting changes in the local population demographics and preserving cultural heritage.
On the 2nd of this month, twelve local students, dressed in traditional kimonos and armed with ceremonial swords at their waists, participated enthusiastically. The ritual, originally aimed at celebrating the coming of age for junior high school students, now also includes high school students due to the declining birth rate across Japan.
The vibrant scene featured the students forming a circle and performing the water splash dance, which was accompanied by traditional music sung by the performers. Many of these students expressed their excitement and commitment to continuing the cultural tradition.
One participant, first-year junior high student Yokota Ryoma, candidly shared, "I was nervous, but there will still be next year, so I want to do my best then." His determination highlights the personal stakes involved for these young performers who are stepping up to carry forward their cultural legacy.
Another student, first-year high schooler Nonaka Haruto, added, "I think this is an important culture, so I want to make sure it continues." This sentiment encapsulates the hopes of the younger generation to keep such traditions alive and relevant amid changing societal dynamics.
Presiding over the event was Oishi Hiroyuki, president of the Kashima Mizubase Odori Preservation Society. He emphasized the significance of maintaining the dance, explaining, "It is important to continue this tradition, as it is difficult to restart once it is broken; we want to keep it going." His comments underline the challenges faced by traditional arts as they compete for attention in contemporary culture.
The 'Mizubase Odori-shiki' is not merely about the dance itself; it is recognized as part of Atami City's intangible folk cultural assets, underlining the ritual’s importance not just to the local community but also to Japan's cultural heritage as a whole.
Overall, this year's ceremony was marked by joy and solemnity, bringing together the community to honor their past and inspire the future. The young dancers, by stepping forward to participate, are not just performing; they are making active contributions to their cultural identity and continuity.