What is "Hyottoko"?

 There are a variety of "Hyottoko" legends all over Japan, and also various theories concerning the origin of the name, such as the one derived from "Hiotoko," or the "fire man," the person who generates the fire in a furnace. Alternatively, it may be a god of fire, or the character of the fool in a peasant comedy, depending on the region. In the legend of the Hyuga region, Hyottoko is the latter.

Hyuga Hyottoko Summer Festival

[History]
 This festival was started in 1984 for a number of reasons, including revitalization of the local area, promotion of traditional culture, and development of tourism. It has expanded its scale through the endeavor of local citizens and its many enthusiastic fans, and now attracts a legion of people from all over Japan who come to dance. Consequently, it is now one of the major festivals in Miyazaki Prefecture. At present, it is held on the first Saturday of August every year.

[Performance]
Groups and individuals who apply and are registered in advance can take part in this festival. Groups perform their dance along a specified parade course and compete to a set of criteria, including dance skills and a display of teamwork. Individuals perform their own dance and compete on the main stage according to their own character category, Hyottoko (male character), Okame (female character) and Fox.

[Costumes]
 For the characters of Hyottoko and Fox, performers wear a red kimono with a white obi belt, and Fundoshi, traditional Japanese men's underpants. For Okame, performers wear a red kimono. They all wear a traditional polka dot patterned towel on their heads, and dance comically, or sometimes even erotically, to the jaunty and buoyant rhythms.