Iwaoku Kagura

Active

Category Name:Kagura

Iwaoku kagura was originally taught and trained by Mr. Akahoshi, a priest of Kosa Town, around 1910 (Meiji 43), following the style of Higo Kagura. Higo Kagura originated as Guji Mai (dance of the chief shrine priest) as the Aso family expanded their power to Hi-no-Kuni and the Aso region prospered as the center of Hi-no-Kuni culture. Since then, kagura has spread among farmers and been danced among young people in the village, and continues to this day with deep involvement in festivals, farming, and annual events. In addition, it is thought that the reason why Kagura flourished is that shrines in each district trained Kagura performers for their shrine kagura.

Municipality

Yatsushiro City

Category

Kagura

Specific Location

Kakizako Iwaoku, Izumi-machi

Cultural Property Designation

City-designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property October 30, 1987

Performance Date(s)

June 15 and November 15 of the lunar calendar

Performance Location

Iwaoku Shrine

Preservation Society

Iwaoku Kagura Preservation Society