- 2020.12.01
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Yasui Kagura
Kagura is an ancient Shinto ritual comprised of music and dancing.
The Yasui Kagura, designated a prefectural cultural asset of Kochi, is special in that it consists of an intricate series of different dances.
The performance serves as an offering, warding off evil and welcoming the gods.
What’s interesting is that the venue of the performance changes each year.
This year, the Yasui Kagura will take place at Hasshokawauchi Shrine on December 8th, and next year, it will be held at Kumano Shrine on December 12th.
Both shrines are located by Yasui Gorge. Though the ritual will not be open to the general public this year due to the pandemic, the ritual will be performed as usual.
During the Yasui Kagura, dancers appear in various traditional garbs and masks.
Other props used in the performances include paper fans, evil-warding sticks, bell instruments and even katana and naginata.
The pounding of a taiko drum also accompanies the dancing, further intensifying the rousing performance!
The Yasui Kagura, designated a prefectural cultural asset of Kochi, is special in that it consists of an intricate series of different dances.
The performance serves as an offering, warding off evil and welcoming the gods.
What’s interesting is that the venue of the performance changes each year.
This year, the Yasui Kagura will take place at Hasshokawauchi Shrine on December 8th, and next year, it will be held at Kumano Shrine on December 12th.
Both shrines are located by Yasui Gorge. Though the ritual will not be open to the general public this year due to the pandemic, the ritual will be performed as usual.
During the Yasui Kagura, dancers appear in various traditional garbs and masks.
Other props used in the performances include paper fans, evil-warding sticks, bell instruments and even katana and naginata.
The pounding of a taiko drum also accompanies the dancing, further intensifying the rousing performance!
