KAGARA is a kind of traditional performing arts devoted to gods.

 Sometimes it’s performed in shrines to give prays and thanks for abundant crops.

KAGURA in Japanese is 「神楽」.

神 means "a god" and  楽 is "music" or "joy(to enjoy)".

Music is played with Japanese traditional instruments - flute, drums (large and small) and small cymbal (called “ka-ne”).

Tunes in quick tempo are so energetic and exhilarating that you may be attracted to the world of KAGURA in an instant.

Performers (dancers) wear gorgeous costume and move (dance)  forcefully and energetically.

Seeing their performance, you may not tell how heavy  the costumes are.

As the costumes are full of embroideries with gold and silver threads, they are more than 20 kilograms. Don’t miss the performers’ well-trained skills and techniques.

One more thing to pay attention. It’s elaborate masks.

Each troupe inherits masks and costumes for generations. Old ones are used over 40 years.

The stories are very attractive also.

Most of the KAGURA stories are based on myths and legends --- Many depict ogre extermination.

Heroes, in many cases they are noble people such as gods and generals, conquest the evil (demons or ogres).

Can't understand words?

No need to worry!

We, Japanese also DO NOT understand it, because the characters are speaking archaic words!

So all we should do is to read the synopsis and catch up the outline of the story before the ceiling lights turn off.