石見神楽
“Iwami Kagura” (Japanese Heritage #79) is a rhythmic and brave traditional entertainment program (music and dance) in the Iwami area of the Shimane prefecture. It is the most popular program of the “Orochi.” It is a story in which a Susanoo-no-mikoto (God in Japanese Mythology) saves an old couple whose daughter was eaten by a giant monster of snake, Yamata no Orochi Orochi in the Hi River in Izumo-no-kuni, and kills the Yamata no Orochi. The sword that came out of the Orochi is called “Kusanagi no Tsurugi” (Kusanagi Sword). It is one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan and is enshrined in Atsuta-jingu Shrine in the Aichi prefecture. This program is the most popular in any area. It is always performed and I have been excited about it since I was a child.
In addition, Kitsune (the monster of a fox), Shoki (Plague-Queller), and Ebisu (God of wealth) are also performed. When you come to Iwami, it is a must see. From spring to autumn, it is performed several times a month somewhere. There are cases where it is free or there is a charge.
Click here for details Iwami Kagura (in Japanese)
動画の一覧
Each community association creates several companies and performs of the Iwami Kagura. Young people such as students also participate and preserve the traditional performing arts. It seems to be very difficult to maintain the tradition, and I hope this can be maintained in the future.