前橋市指定重要無形民俗文化財の「前橋鳶（とび）木遣り」。〈木遣り（きやり）〉とは土木工事を安全かつ効率的に進める合図として工夫された日本独特の労働歌です。「前橋鳶（とび）木遣り」のルーツは、幕末の前橋城再築の鳶職人たちの技芸に由来し、御神木や建築用材を扱うことから「めでたいうた」として祝宴でも披露されています。
2026年9月19日11:00、アーツ前橋の吹き抜け空間を舞台に、第一回 前橋国際芸術祭2026の開幕を祝い、今後の前橋のまちづくりの成功を祈って、前橋鳶伝統文化保存会の鳶職人が木遣りを高らかに唄い上げます。ドットアーキテクツとのコラボレーションによる柱打ちも必見です。アートと建築の聖地・前橋のはじまりにぜひお立ち会いください。

Maebashi Tobi Kiyari, or traditional Japanese work songs, have been declared an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the city of Maebashi. These were originally rhythmic chants devised by construction workers called “tobi” as a way of synchronizing physical efforts during the hauling of materials and other tasks for greater safety and efficiency. Tobi, who consisted traditionally of carpenters, scaffold builders, and urban firefighters, are credited with devising Maebashi Tobi Kiyari during the rebuilding of Maebashi Castle during the last part of the Edo period (1603–1868). Because these craftsmen handled sacred trees and structural timber, their chants were considered auspicious and were also performed at celebratory banquets.
On September 19, 2026 at 11:00, tobi members of the Maebashi Tobi Traditional Culture Preservation Society will deliver a powerful kiyari performance in the atrium of Arts Maebashi, to mark the opening of the inaugural Maebashi Biennale and pray for the success of Maebashi’s future urban development. Another must-see is a pillar raising ceremony to be conducted in collaboration with dot architects. You are invited to witness the launch of Maebashi as a new mecca of art and architecture.