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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Nafune Village Gojinjo Taiko
Local culture performance with intense drumming and ferocious dances
Ishikawa Prefecture
Gojinjo taiko drumming is a ritualistic drum performance native to the village of Nafune in the city of Wajima on the Noto Peninsula. It dates back to 1576, when it is reputed to have saved the village from an attack by the well-known warlord, Kenshin Uesugi, who was attempting to invade the eastern part of the peninsula and take Nanao Castle. In a courageous effort to defend their native land, the villagers beat the drums under cover of darkness, wearing masks made of tree bark and with seaweed on their heads to give the appearance of tangled long hair. The Uesugi camp was thrown into confusion at the ferocious sound of the drums and their unearthly appearance. They fled from the region with haste.
To commemorate the brave action of these weaponless villagers, taiko drumming performances imitating this historic tale are held every summer as part of the Nafune Grand Festival.
Gojinjo Taiko has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Asset by Wajima City and by Ishikawa Prefecture. There are regular, free performances of Gojinjo taiko outside the Wajima Kiriko Art Museum from spring to autumn.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to JR Kanazawa Station (about 2 hours and 30 minutes). From JR Kanazawa Station, take an express bus (about 2 hours and 30 minutes).
1-131 Kawaimachi, Wajima-shi, Ishikawa-ken
