Overcoming Disaster Through Folk Performing Arts: Toramai and Shishiodori from Sanriku, Japan In commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, The Japan Foundation, Manila in cooperation with Sanriku International Arts Festival, the All Japan Folk Performing Arts Association, and the Japan Contemporary Dance Network (JCDN) invited performing troupes to present two distinguished folk traditions from Sanriku: the Toramai (Tiger Dance) and the 340-year-old Shishiodori (Deer Dance) during the Nihongo Fiesta 2026.
The project aimed to support regional revitalization in Japan from a global perspective and revive cultural exchange that was interrupted by the pandemic in 2020 to 2023.
The troupe featured a mix of established performers and members from the younger generation, the youngest being a 13-year-old girl. This initiative helped promote the transmission of local performing arts to future generations.
In addition to the performances, Mr. Koiwa Shutaro of the Japan Performing Arts Association shared about the “The Great East Japan Earthquake and Performing Arts, Sanriku International Arts Festival” and the troupes conducted a workshop where attendees were able to wear costumes and learn movement at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza Mall. Emerging from the recovery of the 2011 disaster, these performers carry a message of hope and profound gratitude for the support received from the Philippines and the world.
