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Whether performed in the shrine, in competition,
or outside a shopping mall, kagura performances always begin with
purification and invocation dances.
Tanijyugo Kagura group.
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A fire-breathing demon (Oni)
enetrs the stage.
Tanijyugo All-night kagura
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Many Kagura groups have upped the tempo
to make the dances more exciting
Tanijyugo Kagura. Summer Bon Odori festival
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The ornate masks used in
Kagura were originally carved in wood, but nowadays papier-mache
is used making them much more convenient for the dancers. Many
people in Sakurae use the masks as ornaments in their homes.
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There are hundreds of Kagura groups throughout
the Iwami area, with most villages having one. During the summer,
and especially during the month of October, there are dozens of
performances going on every weekend.
Matsukawa Summer festival.
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Iwami Kagura has spread to other areas
outside of Iwami, most notably northern Hiroshima Prefecture.
Mizuho Town Kagura competition
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Kagura is where the children become familar
with Japanese myths, legends and history. |
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Every year Yutaka Fukuoka
(Yen Calling) visits Sakurae for a collabarative performace of
Kagura, Electronica, Rock, & Video.
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Orochi at Sakurae Iki Iki Festival |
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Mask & costume changes, fireworks,
smoke machines, and other effects are increasingly being used
by some kagura groups.
Spider Demon at Mizuho Kagura competition
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