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Hanamaki Deer Dancers

Over 400 years of history the Deer Dancers in Hanamaki

With over 400 years of history, the Hanamaki Festival (matsuri) is one of the premier festivals in North Eastern Japan (Tohoku). The Deer Dancers (shishi odori) are a major part of the festival and attract thousands of visitors each year.

The festival is held on the second weekend of September each year, also in the festival are portable shrines (mikoshi) and floats (dashi) with drum and koto (a 3 string instrument) players. This year, with over 150 portable shrines, they set a world record for the most portable shrines at once.

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Victoria Vlisides 9 years ago
Looks like an awesome culture event. Thanks!
Malcome Larcens Videographer 9 years ago
Yes, they make appearances at other events but for the Hanamaki Festival they come out in force!
Justin Velgus 9 years ago
I have seen the deer dancers make appearances in smaller festivals, but I was unaware that they amass as part of a massive celebration!

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