About Rokusai Nenbutsu
Rokusai nenbutsu is a type of Buddhist ritual in which chanted prayers are accompanied by dancing and musical instruments. According to Eiei Nenbutsuko Kaikucho, a document from 1804 that chronicles the transmission of such traditions, the custom was practiced in the Wakasa region from at least the mid-seventeen century. Like many other cultural and religious ideas brought to the area, it was transmitted along the Wakasa Kaido road, a major trade route that connected Wakasa with Kyoto, then the capital of Japan. Rokusai nenbutsu rituals that have been passed down for generations are still practiced by several communities in the region.
Rokusai Nenbutsu in Uryu
The Uryu district in the town of Wakasa performs their version of rokusai nenbutsu in mid-August. School-aged boys beat taiko drums and dance, while the sounding of gongs and recitation of prayers is performed by adult men. The repertoire for the district consists of seven pieces titled Ittengaeshi, Midare, Chidori, Gotan, Kakekanjo, Shishi, and Komyo Wasan, as well as two pieces performed only by the adult men called Shihen and Hakumai No. 19.
On the afternoon of August 13th, each piece is performed in sequence at Chogenin Temple, after which a segaki ritual is held to ease the suffering of restless spirits. During the evenings of August 13th and 14th, rokusai nenbutsu is performed at neighborhood residences and at the graveyards of Chogenin Temple and Ryoshoji Temple to pray for the souls of the ancestors. The annual tradition is overseen by the Uryu Rokusai Nenbutsu Preservation Society, a group consisting of community members who wish to protect the ancient customs for future generations.
