Kuma Kagura (Kurohiji Shrine)

Active

Category Name:Kagura

Originally, there were 33 kagura scenes, but today, only 17 remain: Sanban-kagura, Oobei, Otomari, Jiwari, Ougi-awase, Kobei, Otomeko, Munakata, Furi-tsurugi, Iwakuguri, Dengaku, Fue-soroi, Mikasa, Kansui, Daisho-mai, Misa, Shishi. The dances range from one to four dancers, and the music is played on flutes, drums, and gakuita. The Kagura has been passed down through the families of the shrine, but since 1928 (Showa 3), Kagura workshops have been held, and the Ujiko (shrine parishioners) also began to participate. It is said that different styles in Kami-Kuma and Naka-Kuma have been unified. A preservation society was formed in 1962 (Showa 37), and its office is located at Aoi Aso Shrine.

Municipality

Hitoyoshi City

Category

Kagura

Specific Location

Kami Aoi machi

Cultural Property Designation

Nationally Designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property March 12, 2013 Nationally-selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property December 21, 1982

Performance Date(s)

November 9, or near that date

Performance Location

Kurohiji Shrine

Preservation Society

Kuma Kagura Preservation Society