Iwami Kagura -
Dancing for the Gods
石見神楽

Photo © Renae Smith
Kagura is a form of dance-theatre literally meaning ‘entertaining the gods’. It originated as dance and music rituals based on Japanese mythology that were performed during Shinto religious ceremonies.
Stories told in kagura performances are mostly based on tales from the ‘Kojiki’, an ancient Japanese collection of myths, legends and semi-historical accounts often involving battles between gods and demons.
Kagura spread throughout Japan, giving birth to many forms of performance. Each region has enjoyed its own form of kagura for many generations. In Shimane Prefecture, western Japan, 'Iwami Kagura' is a local style of kagura known for its fast pace, colourful costumes and simple storylines drawn from Japanese mythology.