Eastern Tottori Prefecture has a traditional dance “Inaba Kasa Odori.” It was arranged into “Shan Shan Gasa” so anyone can dance easily. Tottori Shan Shan Festival features this dance and is known as Tottori City’s tradition in mid August.
The Festival lasts two days - the eve and the united dance with Shan Shan Kasa Odori in the middle. With the bamboo frame and Japanese paper Shan Shan Umbrella in hands, more than 4000 dancers march around the center of the city. The umbrella has bells which make a refreshing “shan, shan” sound throughout the dance.
In 2006, Suzukko, a rice-scooper-shaped board with bells, was adopted for a free-style dance, Suzukko Odori. The last day is concluded with grand fireworks adorning the night sky in all kinds of colors.
Highlights
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Tottori City’s biggest summer festival and tradition.
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Registered as the World’s Biggest Umbrella Dance in the Guinness Book in 2014.
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The highlight is the united umbrella dance with Shan Shan Gasa (umbrellas with bells) marching through the city.
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Suzukko Odori is unique and fun to watch.
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The last day has a big firework show.