Cultural Assets－Festivals

Many traditional performing arts have been passed down in the Senshu region of southern Osaka Prefecture since Japan’s medieval period. Belonging to the same lineage as artistic taiko drum dances and characterized by colorful costumes, Sasa-odori is held to pray for rain and includes musical accompaniment by taiko drums, a fife-like instrument known as a fue, and other instruments. Characteristics include unique, complex lyrics, leisurely musical rhythms, and elegant dancing. Although the form disappeared for several dozen years at one point, it was revived as a local dance in 2003 and is being carried on by the region’s children.