Japanese folk dances approved as UNESCO intangible heritage

RABAT, Morocco – A group of Japanese conventional furyū odori people dances was permitted on Wednesday for addition to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage record, a committee from the U.N. cultural physique stated.

The 41 regional dances, which originated in medieval instances, have been handed down by the generations and are carried out by communities to commemorate their ancestors, pray for good harvests or rain, or search safety from disasters.

The dances from 24 of Japan’s 47 prefectures, together with the summer time Bon Odori, characteristic colourful costumes and props and are accompanied by flutes and drums.