The Higo Kagura (Kagura) Sword Dance performed at Shiraki Aso Shrine in Itoishi, Toyono Town, is said to have been introduced at the end of the Edo period (1603-1868) from Kihara Rokudengu in Tomiai Town and Ogi Aso Shrine in Jonan Town. This is a dynamic dance in which the dancer holds a bell in his right hand and a sword in his left, rings the bell to the sound of drums and flutes, and manipulates the sword. After WWII, it was discontinued for a while, but in 1972, a preservation society was formed with the help of people with first hand knowledge of the tradition and shrine officials. Thanks to them, efforts have been made to nurture successors. In all, there are three types of dances which are used to purify the hearts of the performers and worshippers.