At an old shrine in Kazuno in Akita, Dainichido Bugaku has been held continuously for 1,300 years. It consists of seven ancient dances, kept alive through the centuries by local families. This is a sacred Shinto ceremony, so the dancers purify themselves in advance with ritual observances that include abstaining from meat. This unbroken tradition taught directly by fathers to sons throughout the ages not only binds families closer together, it also gives the town an unmatched community spirit.

VIDEO BY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN