Dance WS “Ogi Okesa”

Leading up to the 20th century, Ogi was a major port on the Sea of Japan shipping route that connected southern Kyushu to northern Hokkaido. The sailors on these trade ships brought the a folk song, Hanya-bushi, to Ogi from Kyushu, where it is said that the resident geisha performers added parlor-dance choreography to create what is now known as the Ogi Okesa. According to locals, Sado Okesa –a well-known folk song in Japan– is based on Ogi Okesa. The local group who uphold this folk music and dance invite you to learn the moves in a festive dance circle.