The Hanezu Dance, a local performing art associated with Ono no Komachi, one of the world's three most beautiful women, was held on March 29, 2026, at Zuishin-in Temple in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City. Under clear skies, 16 elementary school students (grades 4-6) performed the charming dance on a specially constructed outdoor stage, dressed in vibrant kosode kimonos in the light pink color known as "hanezu."
Zuishin-in Temple is known for its "hanezu plum blossoms" and is said to be the place where Ono no Komachi spent her later years. The Hanezu Dance is based on the legend of a tragic love story in which Fukakusa no Shosho visited Komachi every night. It is said that in the mid-Edo period, local children would visit homes and perform the dance. The dance ceased to be performed during the Taisho era but was revived in 1973 by local volunteers.
This year, four performances were held, each with 10 dancers, in front of a large crowd of tourists. Divided into roles of the Major General and the Princess, they wore umbrellas adorned with plum blossoms and, using plum branches held in their hands, danced gracefully to the tune of a children's song.
