Former Ohara family residence (Nanbu Magare house)

Japanese paper mache

Washi paper mache, a traditional Japanese method, is used to create colorful and cute dolls such as the 12 Zodiac series and the ``Shishiodori'', a local performing art from southern Iwate Prefecture. It has been handed down in the Hanamaki region since ancient times as a toy that brings good luck to a wealthy family, and it is also gaining popularity as a Hanamaki souvenir.

Hayachine Kagura

Hayachine Kagura is the collective name for two Kagura zas: Take Kagura, the dedicated Kagura of Hayachine Shrine, and Otsugunai Kagura, the Dedicated Kagura of Taisai Shrine. Although there are no existing records, there is a gongen-gashira inscribed in 1595 at Hayachine Shrine in Takeno, and there is a Kagura denjosho dated 1488 for Taisaku Kagura. It is thought that its origins date back to the Nanbokucho period, and it is said to be an ancient form of kagura with a tradition of over 500 years. It is said that Gake Kagura and Daisaku Kagura are two sides of the same coin, and the programs are almost the same, with about 40 pieces each handed down. Gaku Kagura is based on five beats and specializes in the brave and lively ``aramai'', while Daisai Kagura is based on seven beats and specializes in slow and delicate ``onnamai''. It was designated as a national important intangible folk cultural property in 1976, and was registered as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 2009.

Kenji Miyazawa

Born in Hanamaki City. He demonstrated his talent in many fields, including literature, education, agriculture, geology, and religion. He entered Morioka High School of Agriculture and Forestry (currently Iwate University Faculty of Agriculture) at the top of his class and conducted geological survey research, and after graduating, he worked at the agricultural school and the Rasu Jijinkai to educate and guide farmers. In terms of literature, he has published works such as the mental sketch (poetry collection) ``Spring and Shura'' and the children's story collection ``Restaurant with Many Orders.'' He is also an avid follower of the Nichiren sect, and his religious ideas can be seen in his works. He loved his hometown, Iwate, and considered it his utopia, calling it ``Ihatov.'' Because he traveled all over the prefecture, monuments of his poems and poems are scattered throughout the prefecture. He passed away from acute pneumonia in 1930. The Kenji Festival is held on September 21st, the anniversary of his death.