ARTIST
Ando Toramai
It is said that the Ando Toramai was handed down from Osawa in Yamada Town, to Katagishi in Kamaishi City, and was taught by the toramai group from Katagishi during the Tempo era (1830-1844). In 1990, an organization was formed to preserve the dance, and the entire community came together to pass it on to the next generation, teaching the children of Ando Elementary School and other local students. In the Great East Japan Earthquake, the members of the preservation society were affected, and all of their equipment and costumes were lost. With the hope of revitalizing the community through the recovery of their toramai, they received support for the restoration of the folk performing arts, and by the end of the year, had costumes and other equipment back in order.