The Island of August Dance
The August Dance ("Hachigatsu Odori") is said to derive its origin from ancient times when the kingdom at that time imposed a harsh taxation system. It is said that the people endured this system with anguish; they would all comfort each other for the pain they suffered and praise themselves upon completion of tax payment, and that is how the festival is believed to have began. When you consider such a historical background, Hachigatsu Odori itself sounds as if it is a word of deep prayer.
