Ootochi Kojin Shrine Annual Grand Festival Dedication Kagura

About this event

Ootochi Kojin Shrine Annual Grand Festival Dedication Kagura is a festival of "Ootochi Kagura," a Nationally Designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property handed down in Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. According to records from 1754 (Horeki 4), it is a traditional kagura preserved without interruption by shrine parishioners for over 300 years, featuring rustic characteristics in dance style and musical accompaniment that set it apart from Iwami Kagura and other kagura in the Izumo region. Incorporating many elements of Noh dance, it features unique costumes with a "makura" (pillow-like cushion) strapped to the waist, stamping motions firmly treading the ground, and powerful dances advancing by moving both left and right limbs forward simultaneously. The kagura dances are themed on Izumo mythology, consisting of "Shichiza" (Seven Seats) and "Shin-no" (Sacred Noh) (also known as the Twelve Seats of Ootochi Kagura). "Shichiza" includes Kami-oroshi, Shio-kiyome, Aku-kiri, Hei no Mai, Shiba no Mai, Takusa no Mai, and Ogi no Mai, while "Shin-no" includes several dances such as Yama no Kami, Gogyo, Yachihoko, Kuni-yuzuri, Tamura, Chinowa, Iwato, Oebisu, Mae-susanou, Nochi-susanou, and Kirime. Currently maintained and preserved under the auspices of shrine parishioners by the "Ootochi Kagura-kata," dedication kagura is performed not only at the Ootochi Kojin Shrine Annual Festival, but also at the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine Annual Festival, as well as in performances inside and outside the prefecture. It also has a track record of overseas performances in the past, presenting its kagura both domestically and internationally.

Venue

Ootochi Kojin Shrine

2425 Taishacho Kizukinishi, Izumo, Shimane 699-0751