Tsuzure Town’s Competitive Spirit Set Guinness World Records

Ōdaiko-no-Yakata Drum Museum 

(Kita-Akita City, Akita Prefecture)

【Makezugirai (負けず嫌い)】, Japanese term, describes a competitive spirit so intense that one cannot stand losing at anything. This mindset is often crucial in sports, leading to positive outcomes, but it can also cause conflicts. When the competitive drive between two townspeople escalates, it can sometimes result in a Guinness World Record.

Tsuzure Town, nestled in a mountain basin in northern Akita Prefecture, has hosted a local festival since 1263. The town frequently faced water shortages that impacted farming. Rain was a fervent wish for the people, and this desire led to a festival that served as a rain-making ritual. They would beat drums loudly, creating vibrations in the air akin to thunder, to call forth rain. This tradition began as a sincere prayer to improve their simple lives.

The town had two hamlets, Kami-machi and Shita-machi, which conducted the festival. Over time, a competitive spirit (makezugirai) developed between them. They competed to be the first which hamlet could offer their tribute, rushing into the shrine. However, the competition escalated to the point of causing injuries during the festival. Consequently, the two hamlets decided to alternate drum performances each year. 

Their competitive spirit (makezugirai) didn’t end there; it sparked another contest over the size of the drum. At first, the drum size was 70 cm in diameter, which was the standard size for a local festival and a person could play it while standing. Each hamlet began creating a drum larger than the other’s. Eventually, Kami-machi crafted a drum with a diameter of 3.71 meters, which was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in 1989. The drum’s skin was made from a single cowhide, and its body was crafted from Akita cedar trees local to the area.

The drum was too large for traditional playing methods. A new technique was devised: men would climb atop the drum and beat it from above using long sticks, held in a reversed grip. The drum was paraded through the town, drawn by a tractor. 

 Not to be outdone, Shita-machi created an even larger drum, measuring 3.80 meters in diameter, surpassing the Guinness World Record. However, they did not apply for the record. Thus, Kami-machi held the World Record, and Shita-machi boasted the largest drum in the world. As the result, the competition ultimately ended in a draw.

The museum exhibits the drums used in the festival, along with the costumes worn by participants. It also features drums from around the world.