Daimokutate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Daimokutate |
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UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
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| Country | Japan |
| Reference | 00 |
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| List | Representative list |
The Daimokutate (題目立) is a very special show performed in Japan. It takes place at the Yahashira Shrine in a small village called Kami-fukawa. This village is close to the famous city of Nara. It's a unique tradition that helps young men become important members of their community.
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What is the Daimokutate?
The Daimokutate is a unique performance without acting or music. It's a way for young men to show they are growing up. It helps keep the community strong in this mountain town.
The Performance Explained
Young men, usually around 17 years old, take part in the show. If there aren't enough 17-year-olds, younger or older boys can join too. They dress in traditional samurai clothes and carry bows.
The young men stand in a semi-circle. An older man calls them to the center one by one. He reads the name of a character from old Japanese stories. These stories are about a famous rivalry between the Minamoto and Taira clans.
Each young man then recites lines for their character. There is no music played during the performance. After all 26 characters have spoken, the young men stamp their feet together. They also sing from offstage.
A Special Tradition
The Daimokutate was originally a special ceremony. It marked the moment when the oldest son of a family turned 17. This meant he was officially accepted into the community. This community was made up of 22 families in Kami-fukawa.
Today, the Daimokutate is performed every year in mid-October. Young men of different ages and from many families take part. It's a very important part of their identity. It helps keep everyone in the village connected.
History of Daimokutate
The Daimokutate has a long history. It has been performed since around the end of the Muromachi period. This means it's hundreds of years old!
It is the last remaining example of a special type of recitation. Ordinary people performed these recitations in shrines. The first record of this tradition dates back to 1534.
In 2009, the Daimokutate was recognized internationally. It was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. This means it's considered a very important cultural treasure for all humanity.
