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Every November Sakurae hosts
one of the many Kagura competitions that are held in the region.
Kagura groups from around Iwami and Hiroshima compete keenly for
prizes. |
| An hour before the dances begin,
the hall is already packed. The competitions are VERY popular. About
12 groups dance continously throughout the day. |
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With a large stage to perform on, some
dances that are too big to be danced in shrines can be performed.
Stage lighting and special effects are used to good effect. The
groups have been practising all year, a for this, nd the audience
is very discerning.
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Kagura musicians play drums,
hand-cymbals, and flute.
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Many Kagura performances in
the area close with the story of Orochi. A local legend, the dance
tells of Lord Susano ( brother of Amaterasu) battling an eight-headed
serpent |
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A princess is to be sacrificed
to the serpent, but Susano gets the serpent drunk on sake and
then cuts off their heads.
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| The sight of eight fire-breathing
serpents whirling and cavorting around the stage is truly stupendous.
At points during the synchronised dancing, the frenetic motion ceases
and the serpents are frozen in a tableau. When done well, this brings
cheers and applause from the audience. |
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