Iwami Kagura Special Performance

About this event

The 'Iwami Kagura Special Performance' will be held in Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture. This performance is staged to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Toyonaka's municipal organization, as part of friendship city exchanges between Masuda City and Toyonaka City originating from the route connecting Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) and Hagi-Iwami Airport. Iwami Kagura, a traditional performing art of Shimane Prefecture certified as a Japan Heritage, has strong theatrical entertainment elements despite being a sacred Shinto ritual; it features clear storylines, intense dancing and musical accompaniment, and is characterized by a refreshing clarity and valor. Originating from the late Heian to Muromachi periods, it incorporated movements from Kabuki and Noh during the Edo period, becoming increasingly theatrical. From the Meiji era onward, it was performed by local community members, establishing a heroic tempo known as 'Hachichoshi'. In 2020 (Reiwa 2), it was certified as Japan Heritage under 'The Mythological World Where Gods and Demons Leap: Kagura Handed Down in the Iwami Region', and in 2025 (Reiwa 7), performers appeared at 'EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan', captivating many audiences. In this performance, the Masuda City Iwami Kagura Shinwakai will perform with different program repertoires for the day and evening sessions. In the climax of both performances, the popular program 'Orochi' (The Giant Serpent), in which giant serpents coil and rampage across the entire stage, will be presented. The first performance features 'Hashi Benkei', 'Momijigari', and 'Orochi', while the second performance features 'Jura', 'Oeyama', and 'Orochi'. Sales of Masuda City specialty products and Iwami Kagura merchandise will also be held concurrently on the day.

Venue

Toyonaka City Cultural Arts Center Main Hall

3-7-1 Sonehigashimachi, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0802