【Designated by the City：Intangible Folk】Sarahama Myakuzutsu

Sarahama Myakuzuku is a large-scale festival, conducted for four days from the day of Kinoe-uma in August and September of the lunar calendar, involving all the people in Sarahama, especially Mutu. It is celebrated in the three communities of Ikemajima, Hirara, and Nishihara.The first day is called Arabi, the second is called Nnakanuhi, the third is called Atonuhi, and the last day is called Butoibi.
There are two theories on the origin of the festival. The first one is that it was a reward from the chief of Ikema of Nakahoya for the full payment of the poll tax. The second theory is that someone who had lost his only child grieved over the cruelty of life and decided to hold a festival to live a happy present life. The first theory is prevailing.　Myakuzutsu has various ritual forms that are conducted by Miuya (also referred to as Miidiuya and Araidiuya) with Tsukasauya of each Mutu playing a major role. In Ikemazoe (Maja, Agimasu, and Mainuya), people serve as Miuya when they turn 47 years old according to traditional Japanese reckoning, and 50 in Maezatozoe.