Festivals and Annual Traditions on Amami Oshima | Prayers and Celebrations in Local Communities
Harvest festivals, Hachigatsu Odori, Arasetsu, Hamaore, and Tanioroshi. Explore the festivals and annual traditions passed down in local communities across Amami Oshima’s five municipalities and nearby islands.
Culture
August 18, 2026
Amami Experience Editorial Team
About 18 min read
自然 ｜ 2026.08.08 ｜ 奄美エクスペリエンス編集部 ｜ 3分
There are things you won't see just by opening an event calendar when trying to learn about festivals on Amami Oshima.
The island has a large festival where fireworks are set off and many people gather.
On the other hand, there are harvest festivals held in small villages, waiting for the day according to the lunar calendar.
The day to put pampas grass under the eaves of the house.
The day we go down to the sea.
A day off from mountain work.
The day to welcome our ancestors.
The day to offer new rice.
A night spent dancing from house to house in the village.
In Amami, these small observances have also shaped the year in each shima community.
This article introduces festivals and annual events that can be confirmed from publicly available documents, focusing on the five municipalities of Amami Oshima Island that Amami Experience primarily covers—Amami City, Tatsugo Town, Yamato Village, Uken Village, and Setouchi Town—as well as Kakeroma Island, Uke Island, and Yoro Island, which belong to Setouchi Town.
This involves cross-referencing the results of on-site surveys of festivals and events conducted by the Kagoshima Prefectural Board of Education with the materials currently made public by each local government.
However, there are some things that cannot be ascertained solely from publicly available online documents, such as family rituals, private events, and events that are currently suspended.
Please read this article as a "Comprehensive Overview of Amami Oshima's Festivals Based on Publicly Available Information."
How to read dates | Reading the old and new calendars together
Many traditional events in Amami are based on the lunar calendar or the Chinese zodiac, rather than the modern Gregorian calendar.
for example,
The third day of the third month in the old lunar calendar.
The 15th day of the 8th month in the old lunar calendar.
The first hinoe (丙) day of the eighth lunar month.
Seven days later, the mizunoe (壬) day.
That's how the decision is made.
Therefore, this article will include both the traditional lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar as reference points to help travelers visualize the timing.
for example,
The 3rd day of the 3rd month in the old lunar calendar → Usually around April in the new calendar.
The 13th to 15th of the 7th month in the old lunar calendar → Usually around August to September in the Gregorian calendar.
The 15th day of the 8th month in the old lunar calendar corresponds to around September or October in the Gregorian calendar.
That's how you read it.
However, the corresponding dates between the lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar change every year.
Furthermore, because it is now difficult to hold the festivals on weekdays, some communities have moved the actual dates to Saturdays or Sundays that are closer to the traditional dates. Yamato Village also explains that it sometimes holds the Jugoya Hōnen Matsuri and Kugatsu Kunchi on the nearest Sunday, based on the festival dates in the old lunar calendar.
therefore,
The old calendar = the original reference date for events.
Gregorian calendar guidelines = guidelines for considering travel dates
Actual event date = the date decided by the local government/village in that year.
The basic approach is to consider them separately.
Another key to understanding Amami's customs: "Shima"
In Amami, settlements are called "shima."
Even on Amami Oshima, neighboring shima communities may dance to different songs.
The date of the harvest festival is different.
Even though they're all August dances, the hand movements and melodies are different.
An observance may survive in one shima community while having disappeared in another.
The festivals in Amami do not share a single format across the entire island.
These traditions have been passed down with the differences between individual shima communities intact.
January (New Calendar) | Events to welcome the new year
At the beginning of the year, New Year's celebrations based on the Gregorian calendar and those based on the lunar calendar overlap.
New Year's celebrations are held on January 1st according to the new calendar.
On January 2nd of the new calendar, there are the Sekkunoyoe and Funayoe festivals.
On January 7th of the new calendar, events such as Nankansek are performed.
In Yamato Village, boats are purified with sake and salt during the boat celebration, and prayers are offered for safe voyages and a bountiful catch throughout the year. The "start of farming," in which those involved in agriculture symbolically begin working in the fields and mountains, is also a tradition.
on the other hand,
The 16th day of the first month of the lunar calendar corresponds to around February or March in the Gregorian calendar.
There is a mountain god festival there.
It has been considered a day when the mountain gods descend, and people have been asked to take a break from mountain work and refrain from entering the mountains.
Lunar March 3 | Usually around April in the Gregorian calendar | Sangatsu Sekku and the Going Down to the Shore Ritual
The third day of the third month in the old lunar calendar is called Sangatsu-sekku or Sangatsu-sanchi.
In the Gregorian calendar, this generally falls between late March and April, depending on the year.
The custom of going down to the beach, playing in the tide pools, and eating mugwort rice cakes has been passed down through generations.
In Yamato Village, it is said that this was once such a common event that people would finish school or work by noon and head to the beach with their families and friends.
In Uken Village, the Going Down to the Shore ritual is recorded as a traditional observance in Ashiken, Hirata, Yadon, and other communities.
The day of the Monkey in the fourth month of the lunar calendar | Usually around May-June in the Gregorian calendar | Hamaore Mushiasobi
Hamaore in the Kasari district of Amami City is a traditional observance based on the first Monkey day of the fourth lunar month.
In the new calendar, this usually falls around May or June.
This ritual involves gathering pests from fields and sending them to rivers or the sea, in order to pray for a bountiful harvest.
In the past, there were areas where people ate and drank on the beach, or went boating.
Amami City continues to introduce Hamaore as a community observance in the Kasari district.
The 5th day of the 5th month in the old lunar calendar | Usually around June or July in the Gregorian calendar | Gogatsusek
The 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar is Tango no Sekku, also known as Gogatsu Sekku or Gogatsu Gonchi.
In the Gregorian calendar, this usually falls around June or July.
In Yamato Village, the custom of hanging irises and mugwort from the eaves of houses and eating akumaki (a type of sweet) is described as a way to ward off evil spirits.
In the 2026 Yamato Village official calendar, the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar corresponds to June 19th in the Gregorian calendar.
Lunar calendar June | Typically July-August in the Gregorian calendar | Rokugatsu-to (June Lantern Festival)
In the Kasari district, the Rokugatsu-to festival, which enshrines the local guardian deity, is held in the sixth month of the lunar calendar.
In the new calendar, it's usually around July or August.
The villagers clean the shrine, put up banners and lanterns, and pray for prosperity and a bountiful harvest.
In some villages, theatrical performances and August dances are held.
July 7th in the old lunar calendar | Usually around August or September in the Gregorian calendar | Tanabata
In Amami, Tanabata is deeply intertwined with the Obon festival.
The 7th day of the 7th month in the old lunar calendar usually falls around August or September in the Gregorian calendar.
In 2026, August 19th in the Gregorian calendar corresponds to July 7th in the lunar calendar. This correspondence can also be confirmed on the official calendar of Yamato Village.
In Yamato Village, a tradition explains that the reason for erecting tall Tanabata bamboo poles is to serve as a landmark so that ancestors returning during the Obon festival do not get lost.
The 13th to 15th of the 7th month in the old lunar calendar | Usually around August to September in the Gregorian calendar | Obon festival
In Amami, many areas still observe the Obon festival according to the lunar calendar.
The 13th to 15th of the 7th month in the old lunar calendar corresponds to around August or September in the new calendar.
In the case of 2026,
The 13th day of the 7th month in the old calendar is the 25th day of the 8th month in the new calendar. The 14th day of the 7th month in the old calendar is the 26th day of the 8th month in the new calendar. The 15th day of the 7th month in the old calendar is the 27th day of the 8th month in the new calendar.
This corresponds to [the relevant category].
In Yamato Village,
On the 13th, we welcomed our ancestors.
Offerings were made on the 14th.
On the 15th, we sent our ancestors to their graves.
The custom of young people performing the August Dance, known as Ashinare, on the night of the 15th is introduced.
August in the old lunar calendar | Typically September-October in the Gregorian calendar | A season when many festivals are held.
When it comes to understanding Amami's annual events, the eighth month of the lunar calendar is particularly important.
In the Gregorian calendar, this usually falls around September or October.
During this period,
Arasetsu
Shibasashi
Dunga
Jugoya
Harvest Festival
August Dance
These events will be held in various locations.
It's important to note that Arasetsu, Shibasashi, and Dunga are determined by the Chinese zodiac, so they don't always coincide with the full moon on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar.
It becomes easier to understand if you think of it as a single month, the eighth month of the lunar calendar, where holidays determined by multiple criteria overlap.
First Hinoe Day of Lunar August | Usually around September–October | Arasetsu
Arasetsu is observed on the first hinoe (丙) day of the eighth lunar month.
In the new calendar, it's usually around September or October.
They offer miki and kashiki made from newly harvested rice, worship the god of fire and their ancestors, and celebrate a bountiful harvest.
In the Kasari area, people used to go from house to house in the village all night long performing the August Dance.
Currently, this tradition is being passed down in many settlements, with each group or area being organized accordingly.
In the Arasetsu festival in Akina and Ikuri, Tatsugo Town, the Shochogama festival takes place at dawn and the Hirase Mankai festival takes place in the evening.
The 2026 Akina Arasetsu will be held on September 19th (according to the new calendar). This is the date officially announced by Tatsugo Town.
Mizunoe Day, the Seventh Day from Arasetsu | Usually around September–October | Shibasashi
Shibasashi is based on the mizunoe (壬) day, counted as the seventh day from Arasetsu.
In the new calendar, it's usually around September or October.
It is a tradition to insert pampas grass into the eaves of houses and the four corners of the property, with the meaning of warding off evil.
In Yamato Village, customs such as placing shiba leaves at graves and praying, and the tradition of parading through the village while performing the August Dance, are also introduced.
In Uken Village, there are records of Shibasashi in areas such as Ikegatsu and Amuro.
First Kinoe-ne Day after Shibasashi | Usually around September–October | Dunga
Dunga is based on the first kinoe-ne (甲子) day after Shibasashi.
Dates in the Gregorian calendar change significantly every year.
In some regions, Arasetsu, Shibasashi, and Dunga are collectively called "Mihachigatsu" (third August). This system of three festival days is also introduced in Akina and Ikuri in Tatsugo Town.
In some areas of Yamato Village, it has been traditionally observed as a day to avoid tilling the soil or traveling long distances.
15th day of the 8th month in the old lunar calendar | Usually around September or October in the Gregorian calendar | Harvest Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival
The 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar is an important day in Amami, where harvest festivals have traditionally been held.
In the new calendar, it usually occurs around September or October.
In 2026, the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar will fall on the 25th day of the 9th month in the Gregorian calendar.
Sumo wrestling.
August Dance.
Tug-of-war.
entertainment.
Respect for the Aged Day celebration.
The details vary from one shima community to another.
Nowadays, if the lunar calendar date falls on a weekday, the event is sometimes moved to the nearest weekend for the convenience of managing the community.
In Yamato Village, seven settlements—Tsunaku, Yamatohama, Otana, Oganeku, Toen, Shidokan, and Imasato—are introduced as areas that celebrate the Harvest Festival of the Fifteenth Night, based on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar.
The 9th day of the 9th month in the old lunar calendar | Usually around October or November in the Gregorian calendar | Kugatsu Kunchi
The 9th day of the 9th month in the old lunar calendar is called Kugatsukunchi.
In the new calendar, it's usually around October or November.
In 2026, the 9th day of the 9th month in the lunar calendar corresponds to the 19th day of the 10th month in the Gregorian calendar.
In Yamato Village, the four settlements of Kuninao, Yuwanagama, Omokatsu, and Naoto observe the 9th day of the 9th month of the lunar calendar as the day of their harvest festival.
Currently, the event date may be shifted to the nearest Sunday.
On the same day, the 9th day of the 9th month of the lunar calendar, there is also the Ganno-shi Gantate ceremony, in which people release their wishes and pray for good health and protection from illness in the coming year.
In Shodon on Kakeroma Island, it is also a festival day when the Shodon Shibaya is performed at the Oton Shrine.
16th day of the 10th month in the old calendar | Usually around November-December in the new calendar | Muchimore
The 16th day of the 10th month in the old lunar calendar usually falls around November or December in the new calendar.
In Yuwan-gama, Yamato Village, the Muchimore dance is still performed.
It is described as a ritual in which young men, with their faces covered by cloth or other materials, go from house to house, dance in the yards, and pray for fire prevention and good health.
In Ashiken, Uken Village, there is also a community event called "Muchimure."
Autumn | In the new calendar, mainly around September to November | Seed planting / Kanesar
The seed-planting ceremony is a ritual to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest and to pray for a good harvest in the coming year.
In Kasari, it is also called "Kanesaru".
The current dates vary from village to village, but they are often held in the autumn.
The August Dance is performed as the dancers visit houses and other places in the village, and donations and gifts called "hana" are used to preserve traditional culture and manage the village.
Amami City | Festivals and Events Remaining in Naze, Sumiyo, and Kasari
Amami City has distinct regional cultures in areas such as Naze, Sumiyo, and Kasari.
The city's annual event schedule includes:
New Year's Day celebrations according to the Gregorian calendar
Mountain God Festival on the 16th day of the first month of the lunar calendar
Sangatsusek (the third day of the third month in the old lunar calendar)
Hamaore in the fourth lunar month
Tanabata and Obon in the seventh month of the lunar calendar
Arasetsu Shibasashi Dunga in the eighth month of the lunar calendar
The full moon on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar
Events held on the 9th day of the 9th month of the lunar calendar
Seed planting
These are some of the things that have been organized.
The prefectural board of education's investigation also recorded the following village events:
Naze/Ogamiyama area | Mountain God Festival
Sumiyo Town/City | Hamaore
Sumiyo Town, Misato | Harvest Festival
Sumiyo Town, Nishinakama | Harvest Festival
Sumiyo-cho, Kawauchi | Harvest Festival
Sumiyo Town, Mountain Area | Harvest Festival
Naze/Kominato | Fifteen-Night Rope Carrying
Naze/Kominato | Koshin Festival
Naze/Nishinakakatsu | Harvest Moon Festival
Naze/Nishida | September 9th Festival
Kasari Town, Setsuda | Setsuda Mankai
Kasari Town, Yō | Shunkanekuwa
Kasari Town, Usuki | Rice Threshing Dance
Kasari District | Memorial Service and Sumo Wrestling
Various settlements in the Kasari area: Mihachigatsu, Shibasashi, Taneo-oroshi, Hamaore
Since the current status of smaller events may have changed, it is necessary to check in advance if your purpose is to visit.
Tatsugo Town | Akina Arasetsu and Harvest Festivals in Each Shima Community
One of the most representative festivals in Tatsugo Town is the Arasetsu festival of Akina and Ikuri.
The first hinoe (丙) day of the eighth lunar month.
In the new calendar, it usually occurs around September or October.
The date in 2026 is September 19th.
It consists of the Shochogama at dawn and the Hirase Mankai in the evening, and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
According to the prefectural survey, in Tatsugo Town,
Arasetsu
Shibasashi
Dunga
Harvest Festival
Seed planting
Imai Gongen Festival
Hamaore
March 3rd
May 5th
Tanabata
Old Obon Festival
Narimuchi
These have been confirmed.
The dates and content of harvest festivals vary between shima communities. Some combine sumo, Hachigatsu Odori dancing, and gatherings honoring older residents.
Yamato Village | A Rich Calendar of Traditions in 11 Shima Communities
In Yamato Village, the village's official website still provides very detailed information about its traditional events throughout the year.
January 1st (New Year's Calendar) | New Year's Celebration
January 2nd (New Calendar) | Sekkunoyoe Funayoe
January 7th (New Calendar) | Nankansek
The 16th day of the first month of the lunar calendar (usually around February or March in the Gregorian calendar) | Mountain God Festival
The 3rd day of the 3rd month in the old lunar calendar, which is usually around April in the new calendar | Sangatsu Sekku
The 5th day of the 5th month in the lunar calendar, which is usually around June or July in the Gregorian calendar | Gogatsu Sekku
July 7th in the old lunar calendar / Usually around August or September in the new calendar | Tanabata
The Obon festival is celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of the 7th month in the old lunar calendar, and usually around August to September in the new calendar.
First Hinoe Day of Lunar August, Usually around September–October | Arasetsu
Saturday between Arasetsu and Shibasashi | Omosho's Kitobare Dance
Mizunoe Day, the Seventh Day from Arasetsu | Shibasashi
The 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar (usually around September or October in the Gregorian calendar) | Harvest Festival of the 15th Night
Kinoe-ne Day after Shibasashi | Dunga
The 9th day of the 9th month in the old lunar calendar, which is usually around October or November in the Gregorian calendar | Kugatsu Kunchi
9th day of the 9th month in the old lunar calendar | Gannoushi Gantate
The 16th day of the 10th month in the old lunar calendar (usually around November-December in the new calendar) | Yuwan-gama's Muchimore Dance
Of the 11 settlements in Yamato Village, the Fifteenth Night Harvest Festival, which uses the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar as its festival day,
Tsunaku
Yamatohama
large shelf
Oganehisa
Toen
Shidokan
Imasato
The seven settlements.
The reason for using Kugatsukunchi on the 9th day of the 9th month of the old lunar calendar as the basis is,
Kuninao
Yuwan Kiln
Thoughtful victory
famous sound
These are the four settlements.
In other words, even within the same village, the criteria for determining holidays can differ.
Uken Village | Harvest Festivals in Each of the 14 Settlements
In Uken Village,
Uken
Hisashi
Raw victory
Ashiken
Rice field inspection
Yuwan
Ishiyoshi
Suko
Division
Name
Sanen
Hirata
Amuro
Yadun
There are 14 settlements.
Harvest festivals are now often held on weekends around August or September of the new calendar, and the dates have changed from the traditional lunar calendar festivals to suit modern life in these regions.
In 2026, the Yadon village's harvest festival was scheduled for August 8th (according to the new calendar), but it was canceled due to the approach of Typhoon No. 13. This illustrates how natural conditions can alter or cancel the actual event, so it's important to be aware of this.
In Uken Village, there is also
Shibasashi
Amura | Shibasashi
Ashiken | Going Down to the Shore Ritual
Hirata | Going Down to the Shore Ritual
Yadon | Going Down to the Shore Ritual
Taneken | Tsunagariya
Ashiken | Muchimure
Ashiken | Rice Threshing Dance
There are various events and customs specific to each village.
Setouchi Town | Southern Amami Oshima and Kakeroma, Ukejima, and Yorojima
Setouchi Town includes not only the southern part of Amami Oshima, but also Kakeroma Island, Uke Island, and Yoro Island.
The way harvest festivals are held varies greatly from village to village.
According to the harvest festival materials for fiscal year 2025 released by Setouchi Town, for example,
Koniya｜November 9th
Aminoko｜October 5th
Akina｜October 4th
Sukari | October 12
Yoshitetsu | October 4th
Shimizu｜October 5th
Oil well | October 6
Shinokawa | September 28
Morobun｜October 5th
Iko Shige | September 21
Sebu | September 20
Nishiamuro｜September 14th
Ukeamuro｜September 28th
Ikeji | September 14th
Yoro｜September 28th
Each settlement had its own unique date according to the new calendar.
This clearly shows that while the festivals are based on the old lunar calendar, the actual dates are adjusted to suit the current village operations.
Please note that this list is based on publicly released data from fiscal year 2025.
Even in areas marked "none," it doesn't mean that there are no cultural events or traditions in that area; it simply means that there were no plans to hold a harvest festival in that year.
A distinctive form of traditional performing arts that remains in Setouchi Town.
Individual shima communities in Setouchi Town also have performing traditions distinct from harvest festivals.
Shimizu | Itsukushima Shrine's Tiya Hiyohiyo
Shodon | Shodon Shibaya
Nishiamuro | Tenten Dance
Grass | Bakkebakke
Shiba | Sumo Jinku
Amino Ko | Andon Day
Amino-ko | Munjuru
Sukari | Stick Dance
Yui | Yui Harvest Festival Dance
Shodon Shibaya is a performing art that is offered to the Oton Shrine on the 9th day of the 9th month of the lunar calendar, which is usually around October or November in the Gregorian calendar.
In the Yui Harvest Festival Dance, performances depicting the activities of rice cultivation, such as rice harvesting, rice threshing, and rice pounding, are passed down through generations.
Even observances that share the word “harvest” can differ greatly between shima communities.
Modern major festivals | Events whose dates are determined by the new calendar
Apart from the traditional events based on the lunar calendar that I've introduced so far, there are large-scale festivals on Amami Oshima that are currently scheduled according to the Gregorian calendar.
These are festivals that are relatively easy for tourists to participate in or visit.
Amami Festival | Amami City
The event will be held according to the Gregorian calendar, not the lunar calendar.
In 2026, the festival will be held from July 30th to August 2nd, featuring events such as boat races, August dances, and parades.
Ayamaru Festival | Kasari, Amami City
The event will be held according to the Gregorian calendar, not the lunar calendar.
The year 2026 is August 9th.
Santaro Festival | Sumiyo, Amami City
The event will be held according to the Gregorian calendar, not the lunar calendar.
The city of Amami has announced that the event is scheduled to be held in late October 2026.
Tatsugo Hometown Festival | Tatsugo Town
The event will be held according to the Gregorian calendar, not the lunar calendar.
In 2026, the event was held on July 19th and included a boat race, a performing arts competition, the August Dance, and fireworks.
Hiratomi Festival | Yamato Village
The event will be held according to the Gregorian calendar, not the lunar calendar.
In 2026, a boat race is scheduled for August 29th, and a stage performance and fireworks display are planned for August 30th.
Yakeuchi Don Festival | Uken Village
The event will be held according to the Gregorian calendar, not the lunar calendar.
The event dates are determined annually.
According to the most recent official announcement, the 47th festival was held on November 2, 2025, and featured island songs, local performing arts, and fireworks. You will need to check the latest announcement from Uken Village for the date of the next festival.
Setouchi Town Port Festival | Setouchi Town
The event will be held according to the Gregorian calendar, not the lunar calendar.
In 2026, the festival will be held on August 15th and 16th, and will include sumo wrestling, a parade through the city, island songs, boat rowing, the August Dance, and fireworks.
Kasari District Memorial Service and Sumo Wrestling Dedication
Currently, the implementation date is announced according to the new calendar.
In 2026, the Shokonsai Sumo Tournament is scheduled for October 11th, and the Shokonsai Ceremony is scheduled for October 16th.
Gathering to Commemorate Amami’s Reversion to Japan
Regardless of the lunar calendar, it falls on December 25th in the Gregorian calendar.
In commemoration of December 25, 1953, the day the Amami Islands were returned to Japan, events are held every year based on this date.
It is scheduled to take place in Amami City on December 25th, 2026.
Things you should know before going to see the festival
Amami festivals can be broadly divided into two types.
One type is a large-scale festival organized by a municipality or similar organization, which is intended to attract tourists.
The other type consists of village observances held for the prayers and everyday lives of shima residents.
Arasetsu.
Shibasashi.
Harvest Festival.
Seed planting.
The Going Down to the Shore ritual.
These kinds of events are, in essence, the time for the people who live in that land.
Some settlements welcome outsiders.
Sometimes we can join in on the August Dance together.
On the other hand, there may be restrictions on access to certain parts of the religious ceremony.
There are times when you should refrain from taking photographs.
Some events are held on private property or in residential areas.
Amami City has also officially issued a guideline asking people to respect the customs of each village when participating in or observing planting or other related activities.
Before visiting,
Check the date of the event.
Check if it's possible to visit.
I ask before filming.
Do not obstruct the movement of residents.
Do not enter sacred sites without permission.
When invited, adapt to the customs of the situation.
This sense of distance is also part of experiencing Amami's culture.
Amami as seen through the festival calendar
If you look at Amami's annual events throughout the year, you'll see that life on this island hasn't always revolved solely around the current calendar of January to December.
New Year's Day according to the new calendar.
The third day of the third month in the old lunar calendar.
May 5th.
Tanabata.
Obon.
Arasetsu.
Shibasashi.
Fifteenth night.
September 9th.
Seed planting.
Muchimore.
The old calendar and the new calendar.
A milestone in farming.
The ebb and flow of the tide.
season.
ancestor.
God.
harvest.
Multiple timelines overlap.
Furthermore, not everyone on the island holds the same event on the same day.
In one shima community, the harvest festival is held on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month.
In another shima community, it is held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month.
Some villages have moved their festivals, which were previously held on the day of the lunar calendar, to Sundays.
Some dances had died out, but were revived by the younger generation.
That difference is what defines Amami's culture.
Festivals are not about preserving the past exactly as it was.
As people continue to live their lives, things gradually change in form and are passed on to the next generation.
If you happen to encounter a festival in a small shima community during your journey,
"I saw something unusual."
Don't just leave it at that,
How many people have prepared for that day?
From whom were songs and dances passed down to whom?
Why do people pray on that day in the old lunar calendar?
Just try to imagine for a moment.
To learn about Amami's festivals,
It's also about learning how the islanders have lived in harmony with nature, their ancestors, their work, their harvests, and their relationships with one another.
If you'd like to learn about experiences you can have on Amami Oshima, from the sea and forests to culture and lifestyle, please also check out " Things to Experience on Amami Oshima ."
