This song and dance is called “Hanezu Odori,” and takes place every year at Zuishin-in. “Hanezu” is the traditional word for a light pink plum color, somewhere between pink and orange. The plum garden at Zuishin-in has many of these “hanezu” shade plum blossoms, which bloom in March. During the blooming season is when the dance performance takes place, performed by local elementary school girls.

The legendary tale of Komachi and the general of Fukakuukasa is often depicted as a tragedy, but the “Hanezu Odori” version is light-hearted and entertaining, making it enjoyable for all ages. We can imagine Komachi telling her story to the local children, hoping they could get a laugh out of her past misfortunes.

Lyrics

Oh, listen, listen,
This is fun, the dance of the Ono Temple.
It’s called the Hanezu Odori.
It’s our beloved, beloved dance.
Everyone’s gathered, so let’s start the dance.
How fun, how fun!

There is a major general who comes from Fukukasa.
He comes by every night.
Using the seeds of nutmeg tree, nine, ten,
we count out the days, one at a time.
Even now we see him traveling, here he comes.

There is a major general who comes from Fukukasa.
He totters along through the snow in the night.
Tonight is apparently the 99th night.
Though it’s yet the 100th, the lady thinks to greet him.
She slides open the screen but is shocked to see… oh no! It’s another man.