About this event
A traditional performing art lasting over 400 years, "Ikegawa Kagura" is dedicated annually at Ikegawa Shrine and was designated by the national government as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980 (Showa 55). To preserve this traditional culture and pass it on to the next generation, the dedication of the kagura will be demonstrated by the Ikegawa Kagura Preservation Society. Ikegawa Kagura has been handed down primarily through the Abe family, the priestly family of Ikegawa Shrine, and the "Jindai Kagura Shingi" of 1593 (Bunroku 2) records it as the oldest kagura in Tosa. The repertoire consists of 14 variations, beginning with sacred rituals to welcome the deities, followed by Miya-barai, Akuma-barai, Kami-mukae, Niten, Tegusa, Chigo-tsutome, and others. In particular, the "Chigo-tsutome no Mai" performed with a black elder (Kuro-okina) mask is a unique dance found only in Ikegawa Kagura among Tosa kagura, possessing an elegant and gorgeous style such as wearing the torikabuto headpiece from court music (gagaku). The required time is approximately 4 hours. It is counted among the Three Great Kagura of Tosa and is a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Ikegawa Shrine
846 Doiko, Niyodogawa, Agawa District, Kochi 781-1606
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