GIFU -- A traditional festival called Tanigumi Odori, praying for the arrival of spring and an abundant year, was held in the town of Ibigawa, Gifu Prefecture, on Tuesday.
Members of a local group that preserves the tradition performed the dance with fan-like bamboo decorations called shinai strapped to their backs in the district near Tanigumisan Kegonji temple.
The dance is said to have originated in a victory dance performed by the Genji clan when it defeated its arch-rival, the Heike clan, in the historic battle of Dannoura.
The colorful shinai, which are about 4 meters high, swayed above the dancers in happi coats who beat their drums to the music of a yokobue flute and kane gong.
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