5 Cool Events at the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival
Dedicated to Suwa Shrine, the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival began in 1634, and is now held from October 7 to 9 each year. 59 different city districts are divided into seven groups, with one group presenting each year—meaning you can only see the same group once every seven years! However, there are some regular parts of this dance festival to watch for.
By Jinichi Segawa4. Traditional Dances
Every year, you can see the townsfolk showcase traditional Japanese dancing, or buyo. Some of the city districts will incorporate singing as well.
Some performers guide rolls of cloth through the air, creating a sense of dynamism.
Called Oranda Manzai, this Dutch-inspired performance features a duo of dancers dressed as a Dutchman and a Pierrot, or clown. While it doesn't happen every year, this dance is unique to the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival.
All About's photography guide is a professional photographer who also offers seminars, with tips on techniques from scenery to product shots all over Japan. He studied at the University of Wisconsin and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. His work in All About Japan focuses on Japanese traditional and pop culture, as well as photography.
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