Minyo Nagashi Folk Dance
Niigata City’s Minyo Nagashi Folk Dance is a traditional event that is part of the Niigata Festival, which is held every summer. Approximately 10,000 dancers wear matching yukata and parade through the city center dancing Niigata Jinku and Sado Okesa.
Niigata Festival - Official Website
Amazing! 1.5 km dancing circle
The Minyo Nagashi Folk Dance will be held for approximately 1.5 km from Niigata Station to Higashi Odori Street, Bandai Bridge Street, Bandai Bridge Street, and Masaya Koji Street.
Appreciation of traditional music
During the Minyo Nagashi Folk Dance, local folk groups and musicians play traditional instruments, adding to the atmosphere. The performance is passionate yet somehow nostalgic, and is a valuable opportunity to experience traditional Japanese music.
Walk-in participation possible
During the Minyo Nagashi Folk Dance, the audience can also participate in the dance procession. Look for the “Walk-In Corner” sign and join the dancing line.
History of great folk songs
How did Niigata City’s Minyo Nagashi Folk Dance come about?
Origin
The origins of Daiminyo nagashi date back to the mid-Edo period. At that time, Niigata Port flourished as a port of call for Kitamaebune ships, and it is said that sailors would dance the Sado Okesa to pray for safe voyages. It is thought that this merged with Niigata Jinku and developed into the current folk song nagashi.
Development of folk songs
In the Meiji period, Niigata City developed into a modern city, and performing folk songs became a popular form of entertainment for the citizens. In 1955, the Niigata Festival was born by integrating four traditional festivals: the Sumiyoshi Festival, the Shoko Festival, the Kawabiraki Festival, and the Port Opening Commemoration Festival, and the folk songs were performed in Niigata. It became one of the main events of the festival.
Current folk songs
Today, the Minyo Nagashi Folk Dance is one of the biggest attractions of the Niigata Festival, and has become a summer tradition in Niigata City, which attracts approximately 150,000 visitors every year. Dancers participate not only from Niigata city, but also from all over the prefecture and all over the country, making Niigata’s summer exciting.
Niigata’s traditional culture and summer nights.
The Niigata Minyo Nagashi Folk Dance is the perfect event to experience Niigata’s traditional culture and enjoy a summer night. Please come to Niigata City and experience the minyo nagashi folk dance, which is full of excitement and emotion.
