杜の都の初夏の風物詩「仙台・青葉まつり」すずめ踊りのルーツには諸説あり？踊り方も徹底解説！まつりは5月16日と17日に開催！

This special feature is "tbc NEWS DIG," which delves deep into various news stories and questions. This episode focuses on the "Sendai Aoba Festival," which will be held again on May 16th and 17th, 2026. The city of Sendai is already buzzing with excitement. The Sendai Aoba Festival: A symbol of early summer in the "City of Trees" The Sendai Aoba Festival, a symbol of early summer in the "City of Trees," will be held on May 16th and 17th. 2026 marks the 390th anniversary of the death of Date Masamune. 141 groups and approximately 4,600 people will participate, performing the Suzume Odori (Sparrow Dance). Twelve floats, including the Masamune-ko float and the Ebisu-yama float, created by local companies and organizations, are on display in the arcade of Aoba Ward, Sendai City. Street dweller: "I came to see the floats and thought they were amazing. It's really something to look forward to. It only happens once a year." Street dweller: "They're incredible, so luxurious. So magnificent." This is the "Five Grains Harvest Float," produced by Iris Ohyama in 2025. It took two years to create; in 2025 it was in its natural, unpainted state, but in 2026 it was painted. Street dweller: "It was white last time, wasn't it? It's great. The impact is completely different." People walking by seemed to be enjoying the festival atmosphere early, taking pictures and such. Dai Ishiguro, Vice Executive Committee Chairman, Sendai Aoba Festival Sponsorship Association: "The venue is very large, and different things are happening in each area, so it might be difficult, but we hope you'll take in every corner." What is the origin of the Sparrow Dance? Dai Ishiguro, Vice Executive Committee Chairman, Sendai Aoba Festival Sponsorship Association: "When Date Masamune built Sendai Castle, the stonemasons performed a dance to celebrate. That was the original beginning." According to Dai Ishiguro, Vice Executive Committee Chairman of the Sendai Aoba Festival Sponsorship Association, the Suzume Odori (Sparrow Dance) is said to have originated in 1603 (Keicho 8) at a celebration for the construction of Sendai Castle. Craftsmen from what is now Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, improvised a dance based on the "Haneko Odori" (Cat Dance) from Sakai. There are several theories about the origin of the Suzume Odori? In fact, there are several theories about its origin, as it was passed down orally. Local history researcher Masamichi Sugano: "So far, not a single written document has been discovered that indicates such an event occurred in Keicho 8 (1603)." In his book "Sendai History Window," Sugano writes that "tracing back to Keicho 8 cannot be recognized as a historical fact at this point," and suggests that the roots of the Suzume Odori (Sparrow Dance) may lie in a dance passed down through generations among craftsmen who moved to Sendai after the death of Date Masamune. He also mentions that around 1960, Sendai First Junior High School adapted the "Haneko Odori" (Cat Dance) as an event and restored it as the "Sendai Suzume Odori." Both dances share the common origin of the Haneko Odori, which was practiced in present-day Sakai City, but the time periods differ. According to Sugano, the craftsmen who came from Sakai died around the end of the 1600s. Therefore, it is unlikely they were involved in the construction of Sendai Castle in the early 1600s, and he suggests they may have moved there during repair work around 1670. There are various theories, but it is said that this dance was passed down from the craftsmen who were involved in the construction of Sendai Castle, built by Date Masamune. A thorough explanation of how to dance the Suzume Odori! At the "Sendai Aoba Festival," the general public can also participate in the Suzume Odori during the group dances on May 16th at 7:45 PM and on May 17th at 3:50 PM. We asked a participating group to teach us how to dance it. The Suzume Odori group "Yakumo" will be participating in the Sendai Aoba Festival. We will be taught by the representative, Momoka Otsuki. Momoka Otsuki, Representative of Yakumo: "The key points of the Suzume Odori are posture, foot movements, and hand movements." The three key points of the Suzume Odori. First is "posture." Yakumo Representative, Momoka Otsuki: "First, the basic posture is to stand with your feet together and slightly spread them outwards. From there, lightly step forward with your right foot. Lightly lower your hips." The key to the posture is to spread your legs, lower your hips, and lower your center of gravity. When viewed from the side, it will form a V shape. Second point! Next is the "foot movement." Yakumo Representative, Momoka Otsuki: "Bring the foot that you just stepped forward back, and then step it out again. Lower and step out. Lower and step out, repeating this alternately." The key to the foot movement is to take one step back and one step forward. If you are jumping, lightly jump when you take a step forward. Third point! Th...