Yassa Festival

Overview

The Mihara Yassa Festival is a summer festival held annually in Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, over three days from Friday to Sunday, including the second Sunday of August. According to the official website of Mihara City, this festival is one of the representative summer festivals in the Chugoku region, attracting approximately 400,000 visitors. The central event of the festival is the traditional "Yassa Dance," in which about 4,000 dancers parade through the streets around JR Mihara Station.

The festival was born in 1976 (Showa 51) when three separate events were consolidated: the fireworks display organized by the Mihara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Yassa Dance organized by the Mihara Tourism Association, and the Children's Yassa Summer Festival organized by the shopping district association. The founding purpose of the Mihara Yassa Festival Promotion Council was "to create an event where citizens can participate in building a community of heart-to-heart connections, with young people taking the lead in management, and to establish the festival as a major tourism resource for the city." Even today, the festival is managed by the "Mihara Yassa Festival Promotion Council," composed of various organizations, and the "Yassa Festival Executive Committee," made up of young volunteers.

The Yassa Dance is characterized by its free and spontaneous style, with no fixed choreography. Dancers move to the rhythm of the accompanying music, which includes shamisen (three-stringed instrument), gongs, drums, flutes, and yotsudake (bamboo percussion). The lively atmosphere and the infectious "yassa, yassa" calls from the dancers make spectators want to join in. The festival is not only a major tourism draw but also a vital platform for community bonding and cultural inheritance.

History and Origin

The origin of the Yassa Dance dates back to 1567 (Eiroku 10), approximately 450 years ago. According to the legend, Kobayakawa Takakage, a renowned military commander of the Sengoku period, built a sea castle in Mihara, which was a strategic point for controlling land, sea, and transportation in the region. He connected several small islands in the bay to create a fortress for his fleet. To celebrate the completion of the castle, people of all ages and genders began to dance, playing shamisen, drums, and flutes, while singing improvised songs and drinking sake. This spontaneous celebration is said to be the origin of the Yassa Dance. Since then, it became a tradition in the community that any celebration starts and ends with "yassa."

The name "Yassa Dance" comes from the call "yassa, yassa" that dancers shout during the performance. Over time, the lyrics of the accompanying songs changed, influenced by local folk songs and popular melodies of the era. The style of clothing and the dance itself also evolved. The dance has no fixed form; people dance freely to the lively rhythm, incorporating various folk instruments. The energetic atmosphere and the simple, repetitive call made the dance accessible to everyone, and it gradually became known as "Yassa Dance."

During the early Meiji period (late 19th century), the Yassa Dance reached its peak of popularity. Children led the parade, wearing white shirts and white headbands, holding round fans with the rising sun design in both hands. Behind them, groups of adult dancers followed. It is said that at that time, all young women could play the shamisen, and during the three days of the Bon festival (Urabon), people danced through the town all night long until dawn. The dance was a central part of community life, and the streets were filled with music and laughter.

In modern times, the Yassa Dance has been featured in newspapers, television, radio, and on CD and DVD. In 1970 (Showa 45), it was performed at the Japan World Exposition (Expo '70) in Osaka, and in 1976, it was presented at the United States Bicentennial celebration. These international appearances helped spread the fame of the Yassa Dance beyond Hiroshima Prefecture. The dance has also been adopted by neighboring municipalities, and it is now recognized as one of the representative folk dances of Hiroshima Prefecture. The Yassa Festival, as a consolidated event, has successfully preserved this tradition while evolving to meet contemporary expectations.

Highlights

Yassa Dance Parade: Approximately 4,000 dancers in colorful costumes parade through the streets around JR Mihara Station, shouting "yassa, yassa" in unison. The dance is known as "the dance of the feet" because of its lively footwork and the absence of strict hand movements. The dance has no fixed form; each dancer moves freely to the rhythm of the shamisen, gongs, drums, flutes, and yotsudake. The lively music and the joyful calls create an infectious atmosphere, making even spectators feel the urge to dance.

Yassa Taiko Drumming: The Yassa Taiko was created in 1995, the 20th anniversary of the Yassa Festival, as a new cultural element to supplement the traditional dance. The main original piece, "Yassa Taiko," is composed so that people can dance the Yassa Dance while the drumming is performed. This allows both children and adults to participate in the performance. The Yassa Taiko was developed to further promote citizen participation and to create a new regional culture that builds on the traditions of Mihara.

Yassa Fireworks Festival (Yassa Hanabi Festa): On the final day (Sunday), approximately 5,000 fireworks are launched from barges at Itozaki Port, starting around 8:00 PM and lasting about one hour. Previously, the fireworks were launched from the Numata River mouth, but the venue was changed to Itozaki Wharf. The highlight is the launch of 2-shaku (about 60 cm diameter) shell fireworks, which create a spectacular display in the night sky. The fireworks mark the grand finale of the festival, and the crowd erupts in cheers with each burst of color.

Creative Yassa Dance Category: This category features teams that have arranged the traditional Yassa Dance in a modern style. Each team develops its own choreography and costumes, showcasing creative interpretations of the dance. This category is especially popular among young people, who bring fresh ideas and energy to the festival. It allows for innovation while keeping the core spirit of the Yassa Dance alive.

Traditional Yassa Dance Category: This category is for teams that perform the Yassa Dance in its orthodox, traditional style. Dancers must accurately reproduce the traditional rhythm and movements, which have been passed down through generations. Many local groups that have been practicing the dance for decades participate in this category. The existence of this category plays a crucial role in preserving the authentic Yassa Dance for future generations.

Grand Finale and Award Ceremony: At the end of the final day, all participating teams gather for a mass dance, creating a powerful sense of unity. After the mass dance, the grand prizes for both the Traditional Yassa Dance Category and the Creative Yassa Dance Category are announced. The winning teams receive great attention and become the face of the year's festival. The award ceremony brings the festival to a climax, celebrating the achievements of the dancers and the spirit of the community.

Event Information and Access

1. Date and Time: The festival is held annually from Friday to Sunday, including the second Sunday of August. The 50th anniversary festival was held from August 8 (Friday) to August 10 (Sunday), 2025. Please check the official website of Mihara City or the Yassa Festival website for the latest schedule and confirmation of whether the event will be held as planned.
2. Main Venues: The Yassa Dance takes place in the streets around JR Mihara Station South Exit. The Yassa Fireworks Festival is held at Itozaki Wharf. The address is 1-1 Shiromachi, Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture (near JR Mihara Station).
3. Access: The venue is a one-minute walk from JR Mihara Station on the Sanyo Main Line. By car, take the Sanyo Expressway and exit at Mihara-Kui Interchange, then drive for about 20 minutes. From Hiroshima Airport, take a limousine bus for about 40 minutes.
4. Contact Information: Inquiries should be directed to the Mihara Yassa Festival Executive Committee (c/o Mihara City Tourism Section). The phone number is 0848-62-6155 (open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on weekends and holidays). Please check the Mihara City website for the most up-to-date contact information.
5. Number of Visitors: The festival typically attracts between 300,000 and 400,000 visitors. The 50th anniversary festival was expected to draw a similar number, but please refer to official announcements for actual figures.
6. Important Notes: Events at each venue begin after noon during the festival period. The Yassa Dance parade starts at around 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Traffic restrictions are enforced in the area, so using public transportation is strongly recommended. Fireworks may be canceled or postponed due to weather conditions. Always confirm the latest information from official sources.

Surrounding Area Information

Mihara City is a historic and nature-rich city facing the Seto Inland Sea. The ruins of Mihara Castle, which is the origin of the Yassa Festival, are located near JR Mihara Station, and part of the stone walls can be seen from the station premises. This sea castle, built by Kobayakawa Takakage, is designated as a national historic site. Visitors to the festival can easily explore the castle ruins and learn about the history of the area. The Mihara City Central Library and the Mihara City Historical and Folk Museum are also close by, offering deeper insights into local history.

Mihara City is situated in the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, overlooking the scenic islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The city offers hiking trails such as Mount Fudegaki and Mount Ryuo, where visitors can enjoy nature. Mihara Port serves as a gateway to the Shimanami Kaido, a route connecting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea via bridges. Ferries depart from Mihara Port to various islands, making it easy to explore the archipelago during the festival. The surrounding area is also known for its beautiful coastal scenery and quiet beaches.

The city is blessed with fresh seafood, including octopus rice (tako meshi) and oysters, which are local specialties. Many restaurants are located near Mihara Station, and during the festival, numerous food stalls line the streets. Neighboring cities such as Onomichi and Fukuyama are accessible by train in about 30 minutes, and Hiroshima City is about 30 minutes away by Shinkansen. This makes Mihara an excellent base for exploring the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture. The Yassa Festival provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy both the festival and the rich cultural and natural attractions of the region.

Related Information

1. The Yassa Dance was performed at the Japan World Exposition (Expo '70) in Osaka in 1970, which brought it national recognition. It was also invited to the United States Bicentennial celebration in 1976, where it was performed internationally.
2. CDs and DVDs of the Yassa Dance are available for purchase at the Mihara City Tourist Information Center and online. These media allow people to learn and practice the dance at home.
3. The Yassa Dance has spread to neighboring municipalities and is now performed at various events throughout Hiroshima Prefecture. It is recognized as one of the representative folk dances of the prefecture.
4. The score and performance instructions for the original Yassa Taiko piece are publicly available. Many school groups and community organizations have adopted the Yassa Taiko, and it is praised for being accessible to people of all ages.
5. The Mihara Yassa Festival Executive Committee recruits volunteers every year. Participation is possible not only as a dancer but also as a support staff member or interpreter, offering various ways to contribute to the festival.
6. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Mihara Yassa Festival was canceled (as reported by the Mainichi Shimbun). Since 2021, the festival has resumed on a reduced scale, and it has now returned to its normal scale. Please check the official website for the latest updates on the event status.

← Explore More Festivals