Nakayama Kasuga Shrine Dedication Rural Kabuki

About this event

Continuing for about 350 years in the Nakayama district of Shodoshima Island, the once-a-year traditional performing art "Nakayama Kasuga Shrine Dedication Rural Kabuki" is supported as one by the local community—from the actors to the Gidayu narration, makeup, costumes, and stage construction. It faithfully preserves the form of Kabuki as entertainment unchanged since the Edo period, and on March 21, 2024, Shodoshima Rural Kabuki (preservation groups: Nakayama Rural Kabuki Preservation Society, Hitoyama Rural Kabuki Preservation Society) was designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. In this dedication Kabuki on the Nakayama stage, Deko Shibai (puppet play) "Koi Bikyaku Yamato Orai: Ninokuchimura" and other acts will be staged for the first time since Heisei 24 (2012). The program includes Act 1: "Sanbaso", Act 2: "Aoto Zoshi Hana no Nishikie: Inasegawa Seizoroi no Ba (Benten Kozo / The Five Bandits)", Act 3: "Koi Bikyaku Yamato Orai: Fuinjiri", and Act 4: "Koi Bikyaku Yamato Orai: Ninokuchimura" as a Deko Shibai puppet play. In particular, "Koi Bikyaku Yamato Orai" is a sewamono Gidayu Kyogen adapted from Chikamatsu Monzaemon's "Meido no Hikyaku" (The Courier for Hades); on the Nakayama stage, "Fuinjiri" is staged for the first time since Heisei 30 (2018) and "Ninokuchimura" for the first time since Heisei 24 (2012). It is an opportunity to experience rare rural Kabuki passed down through generations by the local residents together.

Venue

Kasuga Shrine

1487 Nakayama, Shodoshima, Shozu District, Kagawa 761-4303