The origins of the dance are not clear. There were various theories about the origin of the dance. One theory began during the reign of Emperor Jimmu(660 B.C.,) the first Emperor of Japan, another theory is related to a legend of an imaginary creature called Kappa, and the other was invented by an Osaka actor on his way to Mt. Daisen Show during the Genroku period (1688-1704), but none are certain about the origin of the dance. However, it is said that the dance has been passed down since long ago as the meanings of the lyrics are not clear, and the tempo of the dance is so slow that it looks more like an ancient court dance with elaborate moves.
When a high-pitched clear voice flows from the leader's mouth, "Natsukashiya Uwahan Omiya-sama Uwahanyo," barrel drums sound in. The lantern decorated with paper-cutting arts Shiriges are hung overhead, dimly illuminating the area. The climax of the festival is a disguise dance called 'Tenko,' of the 'Maneki' dance. People usually dance in Yukata (a light cotton Kimono), and there is no rule for costumes.
However, 'Tenko' dancers led by a man wearing a padded Kimono and a braided hat Eboshi having a pestle in his hand, another with a woven-rush jacket beating a Buddhist ritual gong, another with cucumbers, another wearing clothes for scooping loaches with a creel hung at the waist, and another as a woman who is soon to give birth with a grinding bowl in his hand, moving their hands and bodies in funny ways.