Kuma Kagura (Itsuki Aso 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)
October 15, or near that date1
Performance Location
Itsuki Aso Shrine
Preservation Society
Kuma Kagura Preservation Society