The Legend of “Omedama,” the Dumpling Said to Cure Eye Diseases?
Event Period:Every year on October 8
Venue:Nozaki, Mitaka City
Nestled in a quiet residential area of Mitaka City stands Nozaki Hachimansha Shrine. Every year on the night of October 8, crowds gather for a traditional event called “Dango Maki”, where mysterious dumplings said to be effective against eye diseases are distributed. This time, we’ll introduce this unique festival, which has also been designated as a Cultural Property of Mitaka City.
The “Dango Maki” of Nozaki Hachimansha Shrine
As the clock approaches 9 p.m. on October 8, people begin to gather in the once quiet precincts of Nozaki Hachimansha Shrine. They come for the Dango Maki, held as part of the festival for the Yakushiden Hall within the shrine grounds. When the time comes, dumplings are thrown in great numbers, and participants eagerly compete to catch them.
The preparation of these dumplings begins early in the morning. Rice flour (jōshinko) is steamed, coated with dry powder, and arranged in a large wooden tray, then decorated with bamboo leaves and offered to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing. About 7,200 dumplings are made in total—an astonishing number.
The Origin of the Eye-Healing “Omedama”
Within the shrine grounds stands the Yakushiden Hall, enshrining a statue of Yakushi Nyorai said to have been brought by the nun Baifū-ni from Hōrai-ji Temple (Shingon sect) in Aichi Prefecture. Yakushi Nyorai is known as a Buddha who cures illness, but the deity at Nozaki is especially believed to be beneficial for the eyes.
According to local legend, dumplings that fall to the ground and get covered with soil are called“Omedama”, and they are said to be particularly effective for eye diseases.
Dango Maki During and After the Pandemic
Since the spread of COVID-19, the shrine has changed the way dumplings are distributed: instead of scattering them, they are handed out individually in plastic bags. Even though the style has changed, it is heartwarming to know that many people still look forward to this annual event each year. We also look forward to the day when we can again see the sight of dumplings flying through the air and people reaching up to catch them.
| Event Period | Every year on October 8 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Nozaki Hachimansha Shrine |
| Access | Approx. 2 minutes on foot from “Nozaki Hachiman” bus stop (take the bus from JR Chuo Line Musashi-Sakai Station). |
| Official Page (Nozaki Hachimansha Yakushiden Dango Maki) | https://ecomuse.jp/cultural-properties/ This article was brought to you by the editorial team of “Another TOKYO TAMA,” operated by the Tama Tourism Promotion Council, which shares travel and cultural information from Mitaka City and the greater Tama area. |
| More tourism information from the Tama area | https://at-tama.tokyo/lang_jp/ Photo credit: Takako Mogaki |
