According to “Rekishi de miru Gujo Odori (Look into Gujo Dancing from historic point of view)” (Written by Gujo Dancing Conservation Group), Bon Dancing of Gujo Hachiman seems to originate from “Nembutu Dancing” of the Middle Ages. Dances like “Kaki Odori” and “Bashou Odori” came into existence in the beginning of modern times, and later on developed into the present Bon Dancing after adopting several kinds of dances. The dances that are included in present programs are all Kouta tone of the modern times or Kouzetsu tone, and it is certain that they came into existence in the Edo Era. Among these, “Kochou Kawasaki” and “Sambyaku” leaves Kochou. It can be considered that setting these dances as a base, it absorbed many kinds of dances as it came down in time.
It seems that it had a strong influence of Ise Belief.
The whole Gujo area is a treasure house of folk songs and dances.
“Kawasaki” has a strong influence of “Kawasaki Ondo”, and “Matsusaka” has that of Ise Ondo.
Mikuwa Odori can be seen on the records.
Gujo Dancing of the past
The dancing circle was not only one. They danced as they liked.
The period of dancing was “Nanadai-Ennichi”
They are trying to revive and hand down these old dances.