A dance called Kenbai (sword dance) has been handed down in Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in the Tohoku region.
Depending on its performance, it is called Oni Kenbu, Hinako Kenbu, Nenbutsu Kenbu, Dai-Nenbutsu, etc.
What has been handed down in Nagai, Tonan Village is the Dai-Nenbutsu sword dance, which is a type of memorial service.
They dance while beating the drums, and after performing “eko” in front of the gate, they dance in a circle in the garden.
They dance each song as Iriha, Nakaha, and Hikiha.
Next, along with the ritual dance, there are dances such as umbrella swinging and mawarido.
The Dainenbutsu Kenbu is characterized by waving a large hat with a pagoda attached to the center of a large circular platform.
Also, “Namu Amida Butsu” is always chanted over the heads of Nyuha and Nakaha.
It has strong characteristics as an elegant Nembutsu performance, and is also an excellent Nembutsu song, and is of high value as a material for the history of the performing arts.