Kumano Shrine Daidai Kagura

About this event

This is an Izumo-style Kagura danced at Kumano Shrine in Kasaishi, Kagamiishi Town, known locally as 'Daidai Kagura'. It is performed in the shrine's worship hall every year during Kumano Shrine's autumn festival on the first Sunday of October. After the dedication, if there are requests from households that have celebrations such as a newly built home or marriage, it is also performed at those homes. The three representative dances are 'Nusa no Mai' (Dance of the Sacred Wand), 'Tsurugi no Mai' (Dance of the Sword), and 'Ogi no Mai' (Dance of the Fan). 'Nusa no Mai' is a dance to summon the gods, performed while holding a heisoku wand in the left hand and bells in the right hand. 'Tsurugi no Mai' is a dance to ward off evil spirits, performed while holding a sword in the left hand and bells in the right hand. 'Ogi no Mai', also known as the dance of heaven and earth, is a dance performed by three people praying for a bountiful harvest and family safety. This Kagura was once interrupted after World War II, but thanks to the efforts of local youth who wanted to pass it down to future generations by all means, it was revived in 1976 and is now designated as an intangible cultural property of the town.

Venue

Kasaishi Kumano Shrine

260 Kamimachi, Kasaishi, Kagamiishi, Iwase District, Fukushima 969-0404