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Every October, when the Gods
from all of Japan gather in Shimane, every village has an Autumn
Matsuri celebrating the harvest. The Matsuri includes Kagura performances
that continue through the night till dawn. All these photos are
from my village, Tanijyugo. |
| One of the features that distinguish
Iwami Kagura from other forms of kagura is the complexity and richness
of the costumes. This is Hachiman, and this shrine is a Hachiman
shrine. Variously known as the God of Archery, God of War, and Emperor
Ojin, Hachiman shrines are the most common shrines in Japan. |
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The dances enact mythological and historical
stories. The battle between good and evil is a common theme. There
is no doubting which side this guy represents.
Hachimans Demon.
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| Tajikarao, or Amenotajikaraonomikoto,
to give him his full title.. While some knowledge of the stories
and characters will obviously help in appreciating Iwami Kagura,
it is easy to enjoy without understanding Japanese or knowing Japanese
stories and Gods. It is a very accessible form of dance-theater. |
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Amaterasu, Sun Goddess of Japan.
A few kagura groups have women dancing, but the vast majority of
groups are still all male, with male dancers playing the female
characters. Females are more commonly kagura musicians. |
| Benkei, an historical figure
around whom many legends have been woven. He was the sidekick of
Yoshitsune. In many ways Benkei is similar to Little John of Robin
Hood fame. |
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Yorimasu, famed as a Demon-slayer
and for his archery. |
| Usually at some point in the
performance, the kagura will veer into pantomime and audience participation.
Here, a family of mischievous monkeys prepare to make a foray into
the audience to chase and catch children. |
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Fireworks and sometimes smoke-machines
are used to add theatrical effect to the dancing. |
| The story of Jinrin. The costumes
for Iwami Kagura can cost many thousands of dollars, yet Kagura
remains a pure folk tradition. There are no professional kagura
dancers. |
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Still photographs cannot convey
the intensity of the movement in the dances. Sequences appear like
firework displays, especially with groups like Tanijyugos who dance
at a much faster tempo than traditional kagura. |
