Of the many forms of entertainment seen throughout the centuries, few remain as unique to Japan as its variety of theatrical and musical productions.
Many of these performing arts have long and proud histories. From noh theatre, dating back to the 14th century, to kabuki’s musical performances originating around the 17th century, there are a myriad of arts, styles, and schools to learn about and enjoy. Yet, none have a history as long and proud as that of kagura, the Shinto ceremony turned theatrical portrayal of Japanese myths and legends.
It is so popular and ingrained in Japanese culture that many prefectures have their own styles and traditions. However, despite this renown within Japan, kagura remains mostly unseen and unheard of in Western countries.
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The origins of kagura
The very name, kagura, derives from “kami no kura”, or “the entertainment of the gods”, one of the remaining testaments to its original purpose.
Kagura can be traced back to an old chronicle of religious and imperial myths, legends and oral traditions called the “Kojiki”. Believed to have been compiled around the 8th century, within it we find the mythological beginning of this performance.
The story goes that the Shinto goddess of the sun, Amaterasu, upset by the unruly behaviour of her brother, the god of storms Susanoo, had hidden herself away in a cave and deprived the world of its light and warmth.
In order to draw Amaterasu out of her self-imposed seclusion, Ame-no-Uzume – patron goddess of dancers – performed to the rest of the pantheon outside the entrance to the cave. The ruckus caused by the congregated deities was enough to rouse the curiosity of the reclusive goddess, who left her hiding place to see what was causing such an uproar.
From this tale, kagura was created, first and foremost as a religious practice to appease and entertain the gods. As such, kagura was originally performed at shrines by miko (priestesses) through singing or dancing.
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The evolution of kagura
As kagura became more famous, branching out and becoming more common, different regions started introducing their own takes and ideas to the ceremony.
At shrines, kagura continued to be almost shamanic in nature, with songs and dances, and trance-like displays to commune directly with spirits. This style of performance has come to be known as “mikagura”.
However, centuries later, somewhat more secular productions also arose. While still heavily influenced by the divine and fantastical, theatrical shows depicting myths and legends of old became commonplace for troupes to perform to the common people. The generic term for this kagura is “sato kagura” (village kagura).
Yet, with the beginning of the Meiji period (1868) came many changes to education and religious beliefs, and kagura was also forced to change. Shifting from a Shinto practice to more of a theatrical performance, the kagura shows you may see in Japan today, though still likely to be performed in shrines, will have little of the shamanic and religious focus that originated the practice.
Nowadays, you will be able to see intricate dances, or performances of the tales of Ebisu or Orochi, among countless others, and enjoy the combination of the story being told, the music, and, of course, the wonderful props on display.
Sato kagura acts as an umbrella term for what is a broad range of styles and portrayals. One of the most famous is the iwami-kagura from Shimane prefecture, with around 130 troupes and 100 different plays performed around the region.
(Source: Public Domain on the Met Museum)
The masks and outfits
But it is not only the narrative which draws the attention of the spectators. The accompanying music, and especially the props and the costumes used, serve to bring out the uniqueness of the show.
One such prop is the kagura suzu, an instrument resembling a handheld bell-tree. Three levels of bells, and occasionally ribbons, are wrapped around the handle on a spiralling wire. This instrument is often used in shrine performances and dances.
Furthermore, one cannot talk about kagura without talking about the famous kagura-men, the elaborate masks the actors wear. Though originally sculpted from wood, the masks are now made from handmade paper (tesuki washi) to make them lighter and easier to breathe in. The lightness of the mask is important, as some of the costumes worn can weigh up to 60 kilos, making the performance quite a workout!
The making of these masks has a long and evolving tradition spanning more than 1000 years. The craftsmen who make these masks are well respected and proud of their craft, continuing to find ways to innovate and give their own unique signature to their creations.
So whether it’s the stories portrayed, the performances on display, or the intricate props which caught your eye, there is so much to see and learn from the traditions of kagura. As it’s long history suggests, it remains an evolving art. A form of entertainment which once served to appease the gods now serves to preserve the tales and legends that help make Japanese mythology so fascinating.