Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property (重要無形民俗文化財)
Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property refers to intangible folk culture which people have created in their daily lives and passed on to subsequent generations, such as manners and customs, folk performing arts, occupations, religious faiths, folk techniques related to clothing, food and housing, and festivals, and which have been designated as especially important by the national government. This system of designation was established with the revision of the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties in 1975, and since the first round of designations held on May 4, 1976 approved 30 properties, the number of designated properties has increased to a total of 264 as of March 11, 2009.
Background
The Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties provides that intangible folk cultural properties are 'manners and customs related to food, clothing and housing, to occupations, religious faiths, festivals, etc., to folk entertainments, arts and crafts and techniques which are indispensable for the understanding of changes in our people's modes of life.'
Such properties have been called 'intangible folklore materials' in the past and have been studied as 'folk traditions' in the field of folklore. This designation system was introduced in part because of the increasing belief that traditional culture passed down from generation to generation by ordinary people is to be protected, but mostly due to awareness that well-established 'folk traditions' with a long history have been put in danger of disappearing by drastic changes in society in recent years.
Addition of folk techniques
With the revision of the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties in 2004, folk techniques were included, in addition to existing manners and customs and folk performing arts. Following this revision, the 'Japanese-style boat building technique of Tsugaru-kaikyo Strait and surrounding areas' (Aomori Prefecture), 'kazusa-bori (traditional Japanese drilling) technique' (Chiba Prefecture), and 'technique for producing yunohana natural bath salts at Beppu Myoban-onsen Hot Spring' (Oita Prefecture) were designated as the first folk techniques.
Designation status by prefecture
Designation names (designation dates, cities/wards/towns/villages, names of conservation groups) are listed below.
Hokkaido
Traditional Ainu dance (January 21, 1984; Sapporo City, etc.; Hokkaido Ainu Koshiki Buyo Rengo Hozonkai [Hokkaido Traditional Ainu Dance Preservation Association], etc.)
Aomori Prefecture
Enburi rice planting dance (February 3, 1979; Hachinohe City, etc.; Hachinohe Chiho Enburi Rengo Kyogikai [Hachinohe Council of the Enburi Festival])
Aomori Nebuta night festival (January 28, 1980; Aomori City; Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Hozonkai [Aomori Nebuta-matsuri Festival Preservation Association])
Hirosaki Neputa night festival (January 28, 1980; Hirosaki City; Hirosaki Neputa Hozonkai [Hirosaki Neputa Preservation Association])
Mountain pilgrimage festival at Mt. Iwaki (January 21, 1984; different parts of the Tsugaru region; Oyama Sankei Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Processions to the Mountain])
Shimokita noh dance (March 20, 1989; Higashidori-mura, Shimokita County, etc.; Shimokita no Nomai Hozonkai Rengokai [Federation of Associations for the Preservation of the Shimokita Noh Dance], etc.)
Mountain pilgrimage festival at Mt. Izumi (December 15, 1997; Sannohe-machi, Sannohe-gun; Izumi-yama Nanasaiji Hatsumairi Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Seven-Year Old Children's First Visit to Mt. Izumi])
Hachinohe Sansha-taisai Festival (February 16, 2004; Hachinohe City; Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Dashi-matsuri Gyoji Hozonkai [Preservation Association of Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Float Festival])
Tsugaru-kaikyo Strait and surrounding areas' boat-building technique (March 15, 2006; surrounding areas of Tsugaru-kaikyo Strait; Tsugaru-kaikyo oyobi Shuhen Chiiki ni okeru Wasen Seisaku Gijutsu Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Japanese-style Boat Building Techniques in Tsugaru-kaikyo Strait and Surrounding Areas])
Iwate Prefecture
Hayachine kagura dance (May 4, 1976; Ohasama-machi, Hanamaki City; Hayachine Kagura Hozonkai [Hayachine Kagura Preservation Association], etc.)
Motsu-ji Temple Ennen longevity dance (May 17, 1977; Aza Osawa, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun; Motsu-ji Ennen no Mai Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Ennen-no-mai Dance at Motsu-ji Temple])
Nagai Dainenbutsu kenbai sword dance (January 28, 1980; Morioka City; Nagai Dainenbutsu Kenbai Hozonkai [Nagai Dainenbutsu Kenbai Preservation Association])
Yamaya Taue-odori rice planting dance (January 21, 1981; Shiwa-cho, Shiwa-gun; Yamaya Taue-odori Hozonkai [Yamaya Taue-odori Dance Preservation Association])
Onikenbai demon sword dance (December 13, 1993; Kitakami and Oshu Cities; Onikenbai Rengo Hozonkai [Onikenbai Preservation Joint Association])
Suneka Festival in Yoshihama (February 16, 2004; Ofunato City; Yoshihama Suneka Hozonkai [Yoshihama Suneka Festival Preservation Association])
Kuromori kagura dance (March 15, 2006; Miyako City; Kuromori Kagura Hozonkai [Kuromori Kagura Preservation Association])
Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures
Murone-jinja Shrine Festival Matsuriba rites (January 12, 1985; Ichinoseki, Ofunato and Kesennuma Cities; Murone-jinja Sai Hozonkai [Murone-jinja Shrine Festival Preservation Association])
Miyagi Prefecture
Akiu Taue-odori rice planting dance (May 4, 1976; Akiu-machi, Taihaku Ward, Sendai City; Akiu no Taue-odori Hozonkai [Akiu Taue-odori Dance Preservation Association], etc.)
Obasama Festival Ennen longevity dance (February 3, 1979; Kurihara City; Obasama Ennen Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Ennen at the Obasama Festival])
Ogatsuhoin kagura dance (December 20, 1996; Ishinomaki City; Ogatsuhoin Kagura Hozonkai [Ogatsuhoin Kagura Preservation Association])
Hata no Oyamagake (December 27, 2000; Kesennuma City; Hata-jinja Sodaikai [Association of Representatives of Hata-jinja Shrine])
Yonekawa Mizukaburi water festival (December 27, 2000; Tome City; Yonegawa no Mizukaburi Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Mizukaburi in Yonegawa])
Tsukihama Enzunowari lunar new year festival (March 15, 2006; Higashimatsushima City; Enzunowari Hozonkai [Enzunowari Preservation Association])
Akita Prefecture
Dainichi-do Hall bugaku court music and dance (May 4, 1976; Hachimantai, Kazuno City; Dainichi-do Bugaku Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Bugaku in Dainichi-do Hall])
Mt. Horowa Shimotsuki kagura dance (May 17, 1977; Yasawagi, Omori-machi, Yokote City; Horowa-san Shimotsuki Kagura Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of the Mt. Horowa November Kagura])
Namahage demon festival (May 22, 1978; Oga City; Oga no Namahage Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of the Oga Namahage])
Kanto lantern festival (January 28, 1980; Akita City; Akita-shi Kanto Kai [Akita City Kanto Association])
Nishimonai Bon-odori dance (January 21, 1981; Ugo-machi, Ogachi County; Nishimonai Bonodori Hozonkai [Nishimonai Bon-odori Dance Preservation Association])
Kamakura snow hut festival (January 14, 1982; Misato-cho, Senboku County [Akita Prefecture]; Rokugo-machi Kamakura Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Kamakura in Rokugo Town])
Kariwano Otsunahiki tug of war (January 19, 1984; Daisen City; Kariwano Otsunahiki Hozonkai [Kariwano Tug of War Preservation Association])
Toko Yasaka-jinja Shrine's Tonin event (January 14, 1986; Katagami City; Toko Yasaka-jinja Sukeikai [Toko Yasaka-jinja Shrine Worshippers' Association])
Kakunodate-matsuri Festival float parade (February 21, 1991; Senboku City; Kakunodate no Omatsuri Hozonkai [Kakunodate-matsuri Festival Preservation Association])
Tsuchizaki-shinmeisha Shrine Festival float parade (December 15, 1997; Akita City; Tsuchizaki-shinmeisha Hosankai [Service Association of Tsuchizaki-shinmeisha Shrine])
Kemanai Bon-odori dance (December 16, 1998; Kazuno City; Kemanai Bonodori Hozonkai [Kemanai Bon-odori Dance Preservation Association])
Kamigo Koshogatsu Small New Year's festival (December 16, 1998; Nikaho City; Yokooka Sae no Kami Hozonkai [Sae YOKOOKA's God Preservation Association])
Nekko bangaku music and dance (February 6, 2004; Kita-Akita City; Nekko Bangaku Hozonkai [Nekko Bangaku Preservation Association])
Otaki Chokurairo-mai longevity dance (February 6, 2004; Nikaho City; Chokai-san Kotaki Bugaku Hozonkai [Mt. Chokai Kotaki Bugaku Preservation Association])
Akita's technique for making painted maple winnowing baskets (March 11, 2009; Akita City, etc.; Oedarami [Itayami made in Taihei Kurosawa] Seisakugijutsu Hozonkai [Oedarami Manufacturing Technique Preservation Association])
Yamagata Prefecture
Kurokawa Noh (May 4, 1976; Kurokawa-mura, Tsuruoka City [Yamagata Prefecture]; Kurokawa Noh Hozonkai [Kurokawa Noh Preservation Association])
Sugisawa Hiyama bangaku music (May 22, 1978; Oaza Sugisawa, Yuza-machi, Akumi County; Sugisawa Hiyama Hozonkai [Sugisawa Hiyama Preservation Association])
Hayashike bugaku court dance and music (January 21, 1981; Jion-ji Temple in Sagae City, etc.; Yachi no Bugaku Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Bugaku in Yachi])
Yuza Koshogatsu Small New Year's festival (December 21, 1999; Yuza-machi, Akumi-gun; Yuza no Amahage Hozonkai (Association for the Preservation of Amahage Festival at Yuza)
Shinjo-matsuri Festival float parade (March 11, 2009; Shinjo City; Shinjo Matsuri Yatai Gyoji Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Yatai Event at the Shinjo-matsuri Festival])
Fukushima Prefecture
Gohoden children's dengaku dance and furyu performance (May 4, 1976; Gohoden, Nishiki-machi, Iwaki City; Gohoden Kumano-jinja Dengaku Hozonkai [Gohonden Kumano-jinja Shrine Dengaku Preservation Association])
Soma Nomaoi wild horse chase festival (May 22, 1978; Soma City, Minami-soma City, etc.; Soma Nomaoi Hozonkai [Soma Nomaoi Festival Preservation Association])
Kanazawa Hayamagomori ritual (January 28, 1980; Fukushima City; Hayamagomori Hozonkai [Hayamagomori Preservation Association])
Tajima Gion-sai Festival Otoya event (January 21, 1981; Minamiaizu-machi, Minamiaizu-gun; Tajima Gion-sai no Otoya Gyoji Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of the Tajima Gion-sai Festival Otoya Event])
Ishii's Shichi Fukujin (Seven Gods of Good Fortune) and Taue-odori rice planting dance (December 26, 1995; Nihonmatsu City; Ishii Geino Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Folk Entertainments in Ishii])
Mt. Kohata's Kohata no Hata-matsuri banner festival (February 16, 2004; Nihonmatsu City; Kohata Hata Matsuri Hozonkai [Kohata Hata-matsuri Festival Preservation Association])
Tsutsukowake-jinja Shrine's Otaue rice planting festival (February 6, 2004; Tanagura-machi, Higashishirakawa-gun; Yatsuki Tsutsukowake-jinja Otaue Hozonkai [Yatsuki Tsutsukowake-jinja Shrine Otaue Preservation Association])
Mishima's Sainokami Festival (March 13, 2008; Mishima-machi, Onuma-gun; Mishima-machi Nenchugyoji Hozonkai [Mishima Town Annual Events Preservation Association])
Ibaraki Prefecture
Tsunabi rope fire ceremony (May 4, 1976; Obari and Takaoka, Tsukubamirai City; Tsunabi Hozon Rengokai [Tsunabi Ceremony Preservation Federation])
Hitachi Furyumono parade (May 17, 1977; Miyata-machi, Hitachi City; Hitachi-shi Kyodo Geino Hozonkai [Hitachi City Local Entertainments Preservation Association])
Tochigi Prefecture
Karasuyama's Yamaage-matsuri Festival (February 3, 1979; Nasu Karasuyama City; Karasuyama Yamaage Hozonkai [Karasuyama Yamaage-matsuri Festival Preservation Association])
Kawamata's Genpuku-shiki coming-of-age ceremony (January 8, 1987; Nikko City; Kawamata Jichikai [Kawamata Residents' Association])
Hokkoji's Gohan-shiki compulsory rice eating ceremony (December 20, 1996; Kanuma City; Hokkoji Myoken-jinja Seinen-bu [Youth Group of Hokkoji Myoken-jinja Shrine])
Kanuma Imamiya-jinja Shrine Festival float parade (February 20, 2003; Kanuma City; Kanuma Imamiya Tsuke-matsuri Hozonkai [Kanuma Imamiya Tsuke-matsuri Festival Preservation Association])
Gunma Prefecture
Lantern puppets in Nakajuku, Annaka (May 17, 1977; Nakajuku, Annaka City; Nakajuku Itokuri Toro Ningyo Hozonkai [Nakajuku String Lantern Puppet Preservation Association])
Joshu Shirokubo's Ochako tea event (March 29, 1990; Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun; Shirokubo Ochako Hozonkai [Shirokubo Ochako Preservation Association])
Katashina's Saruoi-matsuri monkey chasing festival (December 27, 2000; Katashina-mura, Tone County; Saruoi Matsuri Hozonkai [Saruoi-matsuri Festival Preservation Association])
Higoshi Shinmei-gu Shrine's Harukuwa-matsuri spring hoe festival (February 12, 2002; Tamamura-machi, Sawa County [Gunma Prefecture]; Shinmei-gu Harukuwa Matsuri Hozonkai [Shinmei-gu Shrine Harukuwa-matsuri Festival Preservation Association])
Saitama Prefecture
Washinomiya Saibara kagura music and dance (May 4, 1976; Washimiya-machi, Kitakatsushika-gun; Saibara Kagura Hozonkai [Saibara Kagura Preservation Association])
Chichibu yomatsuri night festival (February 3, 1979, Chichibu City, Chichibu Yatai Hozonkai [Chichibu Yatai Preservation Association])
Inomata's 108 lanterns (January 8, 1987; Misato-machi, Kodama-gun [Saitama Prefecture]; Inomata no Hyakuhatto Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of 108 Lanterns of Inomata])
Kawagoe Hikawa-matsuri Festival dashi float parade (February 21, 2005; Kawagoe City; Kawagoe Hikawa Matsuri no Dashi Gyoji Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of the Kawagoe Hikawa-matsuri Festival dashi event])
Iwatsuki's traditional entrance procession of sumo wrestlers into the ring (February 21, 2005; Iwatsuki City; Kagiage no Kodomo Sumo Dohyoiri Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Dohyoiri of Child Sumo Wrestlers in Kagiage])
Tamashiki-jinja Shrine kagura dance (March 13, 2008; Kisai-machi, Kitasaitama-gun; Tamashiki-jinja Kagura Hozonkai [Tamashiki jinja-Shrine Kagura Preservation Association])
Chiba Prefecture
Kiraigo Buddhist hell drama (May 4, 1976; Musho, Yokoshibahikari-machi, Sanbu County; Kiraigo Hozonkai [Kiraigo Preservation Association])
Shiramazu Great Festival (March 11, 1992; Minami Boso City; Shiramazu Ward)
Sawara's dashi float parade (February 16, 2004; Katori City; Sawara Dashi Gyoji Densho Hozonkai [Association for Transmission and Preservation of the Sawara Dashi Event])
Mona's Satoimo-matsuri taro festival (February 21, 2005; Tateyama City; Mona Ward)
Kazusa-bori drilling technique (March 15, 2006; Kazusa region; Kazusa-bori Gijutsu Densho Kenkyukai [Association for Transmission and Study of Kazusa-bori Technique])
Kizumi's technique for making wisteria winnowing baskets (March 11, 2009; Sosa City; Kizumi Mi Zukuri Hozonkai [Kizumi Winnow Making Preservation Association])
Tokyo
Itabashi's Taasobi rice planting ritual (May 4, 1976; Itabashi Ward; Itabashi no Taasobi Hozon Rengokai [Federation for the Preservation of Taasobi in Itabashi])
Ogouchi's Kashima-odori dance (January 28, 1980; Okutama-machi, Nishitama-gun; Ogouchi no Kyodo Geino Hozon Dantai Kyogikai [Federation of Associations for the Preservation of Local Entertainments in Ogouchi])
Edo's Sato kagura dance (December 13, 1994; Tokyo; Wakayama Shachu, Mamiya Shachu, Matsumoto Shachu, and Yamamoto Shachu)
Kozu Island's skipjack tuna fishing ritual (December 21, 1999; Kozushima-mura; Monoimina no Mikoto-jinja Katsuo Tsuri Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Skipjack Tuna Fishing of Monoimina no Mikoto-jinja Shrine])
Niijima's Oodori dance festival (February 21, 2005; Niijima-mura; Niijima Oodori Hozonkai [Niijima Oodori Preservation Association] and Wakago Oodori Hozonkai [Wakago Oodori Preservation Association])
Shimohirai's Hoo-no-mai phoenix dance (March 15, 2006; Hinode-machi, Nishitama County; Hoo no Mai Hozonkai [Hoo-no-mai Dance Preservation Association])
Kanagawa Prefecture
Chakkirako dance (May 4, 1976; Misaki-machi, Miura City; Chakkirako Hozonkai [Chakkirako Preservation Association])
Sagami puppet play (January 28, 1980; Atsugi and Odawara Cities; Sagami Ningyo Shibai Rengokai [Sagami Puppet Play Joint Association])
Yamakita's Omineiri festival (January 21, 1981; Yamakita-machi, Ashigarakami-gun; Omineiri Hozonkai [Omineiri Preservation Association])
Kibune-jinja Shrine boat festival (December 20, 1996; Manazuru-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun; Kibune Matsuri Hozonkai [Kibune-matsuri Festival Preservation Association])
Oiso's Sagicho ritual bonfire (December 15, 1997; Oiso-machi, Naka-gun [Kanagawa Prefecture]; Oiso-machi Sagicho Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Sagicho in Oiso Town])
Niigata Prefecture
Ayako-mai dance (May 4, 1976; Onadani, Kashiwazaki City; Kashiwazaki-shi Ayako-mai Hozon Shinkokai [Kashiwazaki City Ayako-mai Dance Preservation and Promotion Association])
Sado's puppet play (Bunya, Sekkyo and Noroma puppets) (May 17, 1977; Sado City; Sado Ningyo Shibai Hozonkai [Sado Puppet Play Preservation Association], etc.)
Yahiko-jinja Shrine's Toro Oshi lantern carrying festival and bugaku dance (May 22, 1978; Yahiko-mura, Nishikanbara-gun; Yahiko-jinja Bugaku Toro Shinji Hozonkai [Yahiko-jinja Shrine Bugaku and Toro Shinto Rituals Preservation Association])
Bullfighting tradition (May 22, 1978; Nagaoka, Ojiya, and Uonuma Cities; Nijumurago Ushi no Tsunotsuki Shuzoku Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Bullfighting in Nijumurago])
Sado's Kurumataue rice planting ceremony (February 3, 1979; Sado City; Sado no Kurumataue Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Kurumataue in Sado])
Bugaku dance in Nou, Itoigawa (January 28, 1980; Itoigawa City; Amatsu-jinja Bugakukai [Amatsu-jinja Shrine Bugaku Group])
Nechiyama-dera Temple's Ennen longevity dance (January 28, 1980; Itoigawa City; Hiyoshi-jinja Hosankai [Service Association of Hiyoshi-jinja Shrine])
Omi's Takenokarakai Small New Year's event (December 28, 1987; Itoigawa City; Omi Takenokarakai Hozonkai [Omi Takenokarakai Preservation Association])
Dai no Saka dance (December 16, 1998; Uonuma City; Dai no Saka no Kai [Group of Dai no Saka Dance])
Sanpoku's Botamochi-matsuri rice cake festival (December 21, 1999; Murakami City; Nakahama Botamochi Matsuri Hozonkai [Nakahama Botamochi-matsuri Festival Preservation Association], etc.)
Ogi's tarai-bune boat building technique (March 7, 2007; Sado City; Ogi Tarai-bune Seisaku Gijutsu Hozonkai [Ogi Tarai-bune Building Technique Preservation Association])
Toyama Prefecture
Takaoka Mikurumayama-matsuri Festival (February 3, 1979; Takaoka City; Takaoka Mikurumayama Hozonkai [Takaoka Mikurumayama Preservation Association])
Ecchu's children's dance (January 14, 1982; Imizu, Kurobe, and Toyama Cities; Kamo-jinja Shinji Denshokai [Group for the Transmission of Shinto Rituals in Kamo-jinja Shrine], etc.)
Tatemon-matsuri Festival (December 15, 1997; Uozu City; Uozu Tatemon Hozonkai [Uozu Tatemon Preservation Association])
Namerikawa's Nebuta-nagashi Festival (December 21, 1999; Namerikawa City)
Johana Hikiyama-matsuri Festival (February 12, 2002; Nanto City; Johana Hikiyama Matsuri Hozonkai [Johana Hikiyama-matsuri Festival Preservation Association])
Ecchu Fukuoka-machi's sedge hat making technique (March 11, 2009; Takaoka City; Ecchu Fukuoka no Sugekasa Seisaku Gijutsu Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Sedge Hat Making Technique in Ecchu Fukuoka])
Ishikawa Prefecture
Okunoto's Aenokoto agricultural ritual (May 4, 1976; Suzu and Wajima Cities, and Noto-cho and Anamizu-machi, Hosu-gun; Okunoto no Aenokoto Hozonkai [Okunoto Aenokoto Preservation Association])
Oguchi's Deku Mawashi puppet performance (May 17, 1977; Hakusan City; Fukase Deku Mawashi Hozonkai [Fukase Deku Mawashi Preservation Association])
Noto's Amamehagi Festival (February 3, 1979; Wajima City, and Noto-cho, Hosu-gun; Noto no Amamehagi/Mensamanento Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Amamehagi and Mensamanento in Noto], etc.)
Kumakabuto Hatsuka-sai Festival's Wakubata woolen banner event (January 21, 1981; Nanao City; Okumakabuto-sai Hosankai [Service Association of Okumakabuto-sai Festival])
Seihaku-sai Festival hikiyama float parade (January 11, 1983; Nanao City; Seihaku-sai Dekayama Hozonkai [Seihaku-sai Festival Huge Floats Preservation Association])
Keta's U-matsuri cormorant festival tradition (December 27, 2000; Hakui and Nanao Cities; Keta-jinja Shrine, Unoura Town Association)
Noto's 'agehama' salt-making technique (March 13, 2008; Suzu City; Noto no Agehama-shiki Seien Hozonkai [Noto Agehama Method Salt Making Preservation Association])
Fukui Prefecture
Mizuumi's dengaku and noh dance (May 4, 1976; Mizuumi, Ikeda-cho, Imadate-gun (Fukui Prefecture); Ukan-jinja Ujikokai [Ukan-jinja Shrine Parishioners Association])
Mutsuki (first month of the lunar calendar) ritual (May 22, 1978; Omori, Shimizu-cho, Fukui City)
Tsuruganishi town's tug of war (January 14, 1986)
Echizen Manzai New Year's dance (December 26, 1995)
Itozaki's Hotoke-no-mai buddha mask dance (February 6, 2004)
Yamanashi Prefecture
Tenzushi-mai dance (May 4, 1976; Kose-machi, Kofu City; Tenzushimai Hozonkai [Tenzushi-mai Dance Preservation Association])
Mushono's Dainenbutsu Buddhist chanting (December 26, 1995)
Nagano Prefecture
Snow festival (May 17, 1977; Niino, Anan-cho, Shimoina-gun)
Tenryu village's Shimotsuki kagura dance (May 22, 1978; Tenryu-mura, Shimoina-gun)
Toyamago Shimotsuki-matsuri Festival (November Festival) (February 3, 1979)
Amenomiya's Shinto ritual performing art (January 21, 1981)
Nozawa-onsen Hot Spring's Doso-jin-matsuri Festival (December 13, 1993)
Niino's Bon-odori dance (December 16, 1998)
Atobe's Odori Nenbutsu prayer dance (December 27, 2000)
Gifu Prefecture
Nogo's noh and kyogen farce (May 4, 1976; Neonogo, Motosu City; Noh to Kyogen no Hozonkai [Noh and Kyogen Preservation Association])
Nagataki's Ennen longevity dance (May 17, 1977; Nagataki, Shirotori-cho, Gujo City)
Takayama-matsuri Festival (February 3, 1979)
Nangu's Shinto ritual performing art (February 3, 1979)
Furukawa-matsuri Festival (January 28, 1980)
Gero's Ta no Kami-matsuri Rice Field God Festival in Gero (January 21, 1981)
Makuwa Ningyo Joruri puppet theater (January 19, 1984)
Gujo-odori dance (December 20, 1996)
Enako Bandori straw raincoat-making technique (March 7, 2007)
Shizuoka Prefecture
Nishiure's dengaku (May 4, 1976; Nishiura, Misakubo-cho, Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City; Nishiure Dengaku Hozonkai [Nishiure Dengaku Preservation Association])
Fujimori's Taasobi rice planting ritual (May 17, 1977; Fujimori, Yaizu City)
Totoumimori town's bugaku dance (January 14, 1982)
Tokuyama's Bon-odori dance (December 28, 1987)
Totoumi's Hiyondori to Okunai rice festival (December 13, 1994)
Oehachiman-jinja Shrine's boat event (December 21, 1999)
Utogi's Bon-odori dance (December 21, 1999)
Mitsuke-tenjin Shrine Hadaka-matsuri naked festival (December 27, 2000)
Aichi Prefecture
Flower festival (May 4, 1976; Shitara-cho, Toei-cho and Toyone-mura, Kitashitara-gun; Kitashitara Hana Matsuri Hozonkai [Kitashitara Flower Festival Preservation Association])
Mikawa's dengaku (May 22, 1978; Shinshiro City, and Shitara-cho, Kitashitara-gun)
Owari Tsushima Tenno-matsuri Festival (January 28, 1980)
Akumikanbe-shinmeisha Shrine's annual festival (January 28, 1980)
Chiryu's Dashi Bunraku puppet theater and karakuri mechanized puppets (March 29, 1990)
Mikawa Manzai song (December 26, 1995)
Owari Manzai song (December 20, 1996)
Ayado's Yonenbutsu nighttime Buddhist invocation and Bon-odori dance (December 15, 1997)
Toba's fire festival (February 16, 2004)
Inuyama-matsuri Festival (March 15, 2006)
Kamezaki Shiohi-matsuri Festival (March 15, 2006)
Mie Prefecture
Okashira lion's head Shinto ritual (May 17, 1977; Takabuku, Misono-cho, Ise City)
Anori puppet play (January 28, 1980)
Ise daikagura dance (January 21, 1981)
Shimakamogogo's Bon festival events (December 28, 1987)
Isobe's Omita dengaku dance (March 29, 1990)
Toride-jinja Shrine's whaling boat festival (December 15, 1997)
Ueno Tenjin-matsuri Festival (February 12, 2002)
Kuwana Ishidori-matsuri Festival's saisha float parade (March 7, 2007)
Nagahama Hikiyama-matsuri Festival's hikiyama float parade (February 3, 1979)
Ominakayama's Imokurabe-matsuri potato-comparing festival (February 21, 1991)
Mikami's Zuiki-matsuri taro stem festival (February 21, 2005)
Mibu kyogen (May 4, 1976; Bukkoji Bojo-agaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City; Mibu Dainenbutsu Kochu [Mibu Dainenbutsu Religious Association])
Gion-matsuri Festival (February 3, 1979)
Kyoto's Rokusai Nenbutsu Buddhist chant (January 11, 1983)
Saga Dainenbutsu kyogen comic pantomime (January 14, 1986)
Wakideno-miya Shrine's ceremony by traditional organizations of shrine parishioners (January 14, 1986)
Yasurai Hana flower festival (January 8, 1987)
Kuta's Hanagasa-odori flower hat dance (December 15, 1997)
Tawara's Onda rice-planting shrine ritual (December 27, 2000)
Matsunoo-dera Temple's Hotoke-no-mai dance (February 6, 2004)
Saeki Doro Lanterns (March 11, 2009; Kameoka City; Saeki Doro Hozonkai [Saeki Lantern Preservation Association])
Osaka Prefecture
Bugaku dance during the Shoryoe memorial service for Prince Shotoku (May 4, 1976; Shitennoji, Moto-machi, Tennoji Ward, Osaka City; Tennoji Bugaku Kyokai [Tennoji Bugaku Association])
Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine's Otaue rice-planting ritual (February 3, 1979)
Hyogo Prefecture
Awaji Ningyo Joruri puppet theater (May 4, 1976; Mihara, Minamiawaji City; Awaji Puppet Theater Company)
Kamikamogawa Sumiyoshi-jinja Shrine sacred dance (May 17, 1977; Kamikamogawa, Kato City)
Tajimakutani's sweet flag tug of war (March 20, 1989)
Kuruma Otoshi-jinja Shrine's Okina-mai dance (December 27, 2000)
Toko-ji Temple's demon festival (March 15, 2006)
Nara Prefecture
Daimokutate performance (May 4, 1976; Kamifukawa-cho, Nara City; Daimokutate Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Daimokutate])
Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri Festival's Shinto ritual performing art (February 3, 1979)
Totsukawa's Oodori dance (March 20, 1989)
Dada-do Hall's Onihashiri holy demons' flame ceremony (December 26, 1995)
Narazuhiko-jinja Shrine's Okina-mai dance (December 27, 2000)
Yoshino's Tarumaru sake barrel stave bundling technique (March 13, 2008)
Wakayama Prefecture
Nachi's dengaku (May 4, 1976; Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun; Nachi Dengaku Hozonkai [Nachi Dengaku Preservation Association])
Hanazono's Onda-mai rice field dance (January 21, 1981)
Suginohara's Onda-mai rice field dance (December 28, 1987)
Kouchi-matsuri Festival's boat event (December 21, 1999)
Ao's Omoko lay believers' meeting and Doto-shiki Ceremony for three-year-old children's membership to the village (February 21, 2005)
Tottori Prefecture
Inaba's sweet flag tug of war in Inaba (January 8, 1987)
Sakenotsu's Tondo (March 7, 2007)
Misasa's Jinsho tug of war festival (March 11, 2009; Misasa-cho, Tohaku-gun; Misasa-ku Jinsho Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Jinsho in Misasa district])
Shimane Prefecture
Sada Shinnoh noh play (May 4, 1976; Kashima-cho, Matsue City; Sada Shinnoh Hojishakai [Association of Keepers of Sada Shinnoh])
Renge Emai lotus dance ceremony in Oki-kokubunji Temple (May 17, 1977; Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun)
Omoto kagura dance (February 3, 1979)
Oki's dengaku and Niwa-no-mai Dance in Oki (March 11, 1992)
Sagi-mai heron dance (December 13, 1994)
Isodake's Guro New Year's event (February 21, 2005)
Odochi kagura dance (February 21, 2005)
Okayama Prefecture
Shiraishi-odori dance (May 4, 1976; Shiraishi-jima Island, Kasaoka City; Shiraishi Odori-kai [Shiraishi-odori Dance Group])
Bicchu kagura dance (February 3, 1979)
Omiya-odori dance (December 15, 1997)
Hiroshima Prefecture
Mibu's Hanataue rice planting ceremony (May 4, 1976; Kitahiroshima-cho, Yamagata-gun [Hiroshima Prefecture]; Mibu no Hanataue Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Hanataue])
Hiba's Kojin kagura dance (February 3, 1979)
Aki's Hayashi-da rice planting ceremony (December 15, 1997)
Shiohara's Daisen Kuyo Taue rice planting ceremony (February 12, 2002)
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Yukaba, Iwakuni City's Kanmai sacred dance (February 3, 1979)
Soo in Suo Province's Hashiramatsu pillar torch festival (March 20, 1989)
Mitsukuri kagura dance (December 27, 2000)
Atsuki's Shinmei-sai Festival (March 11, 2009; Yanai City; Shinmei-sai Kenshokai [Association in Honor of the Shinmei-sai Festival])
Tokushima Prefecture
Nishiiya's Jindai-odori dance (May 4, 1976; Nishiiyayama-son, Miyoshi City; Jindai-odori Hozonkai [Jindai-odori Dance Preservation Association])
Awa Ningyo Joruri puppet theater (December 21,1999)
Kagawa Prefecture
Ayako-odori dance (May 4, 1976; Sabumi, Manno-cho, Nakatado County; Sabumi Ayako-odori Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Ayako-odori Dance in Sabumi])
Takinomiya's Nenbutsu-odori Buddhist invocation dance (May 17, 1977; Ayagawa-cho, Ayauta-gun)
Ehime Prefecture
Iyo kagura dance (January 21, 1981)
Kochi Prefecture
Kiragawa's Onta-matsuri Festival (May 17, 1977; Kiragawa-cho, Muroto City)
Tosa's kagura dance (January 28, 1980)
Fukuoka Prefecture
Kowaka-mai dance (May 4, 1976; Oe, Miyama City; Kowaka-mai Shachu [Kowaka-mai Dance Guild])
Yame Fukushima's lantern puppets (May 17, 1977, Yame City)
Hakata Gion Yamagasa summer festival (February 3, 1979)
Tobata Gion Oyamagasa Festival (January 28, 1980)
Yahatakohyo-jinja Shrine's Kugutsu-no-mai puppet dance and sumo wrestling (January 11, 1983)
Daizenji Tamatare-gu Shrine's Oniyo fire festival (December 13, 1994)
Kasuga's Mukooshi bridegroom pushing festival (December 26, 1995)
Tokaku-ji Temple's Matsue Festival (December 16, 1998)
Saga Prefecture
Takeo's Ara-odori warrior dance (May 17, 1977; Takeo City)
Karatsu Kunchi Festival (January 28, 1980)
Takezakikanzeon-ji Temple's Shushoe New Year's service ogre festival (January 12, 1985)
Shirahige-jinja Shrine's dengaku (December 27, 2000)
Mishima's Kasedori Festival (February 20, 2002)
Nagasaki Prefecture
Nagasaki Kunchi Festival (February 3, 1979)
Shimozakiyama's Hetomato event (January 8, 1987)
Iki kagura dance (January 8, 1987)
Hirado kagura dance (January 8, 1987)
Hirado's Jangara dance (December 15, 1997)
Kumamoto Prefecture
Aso's agricultural festivals (January 14, 1982)
Kikuchi's Matsubayashi New Year celebrations (December 16, 1998)
Oita Prefecture
Shujo Onie fire festival (May 17, 1977; Bungotakada and Kunisaki Cities)
Koyo-jinja Shrine's Kugutsu-no-mai puppet dance and sumo wrestling (January 11, 1983)
Hita Gion-matsuri Festival (December 20, 1996)
Yoshihirogaku dance (December 20, 1996)
Beppu Myoban-onsen Hot Spring's technique for producing yunohana natural bath salts (March 15, 2006)
Ondake kagura dance (March 7, 2007)
Miyazaki Prefecture
Mera kagura dance (May 17, 1977; Oaza Shiromi, Saito City)
Takachiho's Yokagura night dance (May 22, 1978; Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki County)
Gokase's Ara-odori dance (January 8, 1987)
Shiiba kagura dance (February 21, 1991)
Yamanokuchi Bunya puppets (December 26, 1995)
Kagoshima Prefecture
Shodon Shibaya play (May 4, 1976; Shodon, Setouchi-cho, Oshima County [Kagoshima Prefecture]; Shodon Shibaya Hozonkai [Shodon Shibaya Preservation Association])
Toshidon devil festival (May 17, 1977; Shimokoshiki-cho, Satsumasendai City)
Ichiki's Tanabata-odori dance (January 21, 1981)
Minamisatsuma's Jugoya full moon festival (January 21, 1981)
Agina's Arasetsu festival (January 12, 1985)
Yoron's Jugoya-odori full moon dance (December 13, 1993)
Togo's Bunya-bushi ningyo joruri puppet theater (March 13, 2008)
Okinawa Prefecture
Tarama's Honen-sai Festival for a good harvest (May 4, 1976; Tarama-son, Miyako-gun; Tarama-son Minzoku Geino Hozonkai [Association for the Preservation of Folk Performing Arts in Tarama Village])
Taketomijima's Tanedori seed harvesting festival (May 17, 1977; Aza Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun)
Yasuda's Shinugu animism ritual (May 22, 1978; Aza Yasuda, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun)
Yonaguni's festival performing arts (January 21, 1985)
Iriomotejima's Shichi Festival (February 21, 1991)
Miyakojima's Pantu Festival (December 13, 1993)
Shioya-wan Bay's Ungami Sea God Festival (December 15, 1997)
Iejima's Mura-udui village dance (December 16, 1998)
Kohamajima's Bon, Kechigan-sai and Tanedori-sai Festivals' performing arts (March 7, 2007)