Kagura is a traditional Japanese religious dance. They are played in shrines at special occasions, such as new year’s ceremonies and autumn festivals.
Kagura played an important role in Tohoku regions after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. It was seen as a symbol of local communities and united the people in the quake-hit areas.
Save Iwate, a NPO for recovery of the quake-hit areas in Iwate Prefecture, along with other people started a special Kagura event in 2013, two years after the disaster, in Kanto district. It aimed to get a better understanding of Kagura and earthquake-hit areas by the people in Tokyo and surrounding areas.
The event has been held in Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture since 2014. Kenchoji is one of most famous and prestigious temples in Kamakura.
The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It reopened this year.
The performance Played this year was Hayachine Otsugunai Kagura. This Kagura has been developed and succeeded in a region in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. It is recorded as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
The stage was set on the tatami floor in the temple’s building. I helped some works to set up the stage.
About 200 people joined to watch the play.
Both Kagura dance players and drum and cymbal players were on the stage.
The moves of the dance players were very dynamic.
Several masks were used.
This is a lion dance. The dance is believed to get rid of disasters.
I was impressed and satisfied with the plays.
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