ARTIST
Oitaira-Komaodori Preservation Society
Kuji City,Iwate
The Oitaira Komaodori has been passed down in the Oitaira district of the Natsui Town; it’s commonly believed that its origin traces back to early Meiji period as a dedication to the Komagata Shrine.
The dance is a folk performing art being passed down in the former Nanbu region, and it’s said that the dance resembles a young horse released in spring returning in autumn.
The dance thrived before WWII but it was discontinued for a short while in the postwar period as male dances were all summoned to the frontliners for the soldiers. Later in 1960, the senior residents proactively stroke to restore the tradition that the preservation committee was finally formed with the late Genetsu Oitaira as its chairman.