Tsujima Gaku (Traditional Japanese Music and Dance Festival)

Held in front of Yatsushima Shrine, Tsujimagaku is a traditional dance and music performance that is held every October 10th when there is a big fall festival. It is recognised by Japan as one of Oita's intangible cultural asset​s.
In the old days there were 72 performers, but these days there are about 30, including drummers, handbell and flute musicians as well as Kyogen (comic theatre) performers.
The festival begins with 18 different kinds of performances such as doraku (imperial court music and dancing) and irebachi (drumsticks) with the Kyogen performance sandwiched between the second and the first half. The order in which the performers approach the shrine depends on the kind of ritual. A song named 'Gango' is played as the 'shika shika' performs for the gods. Not to be missed is the leader twirling a 1.5m pole with streamers, as well as traditional dances like the 'uchiko'.
The area's elementary school students are helping to protect this cultural asset by coming together in a scout group.