Daimokutate at Yahashira Jinja

On 12 October seventeen-year-olds recite three war stories: a UNESCO-listed rite since 2009.

A theatrical narration in which each 17-year-old boy from the area recites a character's part from memory, with a codified intonation and no music or masks: only voice. Only three texts are handed down (Itsukushima, Daibutsu Kuyō, Ishibashiyama), and the performance ends with a ritual fan dance (扇の舞). It is one of only 22 individual UNESCO inscriptions in Japan (not a group like 風流踊): the national designation as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property dates from 1976, the UNESCO one from 30 September 2009. It is held on a single evening a year, 12 October, the eve of the shrine's autumn festival, so it is a place the planner can suggest only on that date.

Yahashira Shrine (八柱神社, formerly 八王子社) stands in Kamifukagawa, in the mountainous north-east of Nara-shi (the former municipality of Tsuge, merged into the city). Eight deities are worshipped here. The 題目立 (Daimokutate) is performed here and nowhere else: the ‘Daimokutate Preservation Society’ (題目立保存会), made up of the village's young people, looks after passing it down from father to son.

ℹ️ Only one date a year: the evening of 12 October, together with the sacred eve rite (宵宮祭). ⚠️ No source gives stable opening hours or tourist access: it is a village shrine, not equipped for visitors outside that evening. Access to be checked: the area is served by Nara Kotsu buses only infrequently; the most reliable way is by car.

Sources: online.bunka.go.jp

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