Soma Udagou Kagura Dance (Autumn)

About this event

Soma Udagou Kagura Dance (Autumn) is a traditional kagura dance dedicated during the autumn annual festival at Oikazuchi Shrine located in the Tsubota district of Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture. Continuing since the Edo period, this kagura worships the thunder deity that brings abundant harvests and rainfall, offering prayers for bountiful five grains. It is one of the kagura traditions passed down in the seven districts (gou) of the Soma Nakamura Domain; because the Udagou kagura preserves its ancient form particularly well, it was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukushima Prefecture in 1992 (Heisei 4). After groups belonging to the 20-group "Soma City Kagura Preservation Society" dedicate kagura at their respective local guardian shrines, they assemble at Oikazuchi Shrine alongside mikoshi (portable shrines); following Shinto rituals, they perform kagura dances on a stage measuring approximately 3.6 meters square (two ken square). Repertoire items include Shiho-gatame, Heisoku-mai, Suzu-mai, and Ran-bu, while some groups also add special dances such as Tsurugi-mai (sword dance), Tachi-nomi, Mari-tori, and Hibuse (fire prevention). This kagura dance is a valuable traditional performing art of the Soma region that deeply preserves local culture and traditions.

Venue

Oikazuchi Shrine

3 Tsubota Miyahigashi, Soma, Fukushima 979-2533