kagura

Kagura (神楽) is a category of Shinto ritual dance and music in Japan. It is performed primarily at Shinto shrines and during seasonal or ceremonial occasions. The aim is to honor, entertain, or invite the kami (gods) through movement, song, and ritual sound. The term can refer to the overall tradition of dance and music or to specific performances within it, such as dance pieces or a complete repertoire.

Origins are ancient and tied to Shinto myth. Traditional accounts link kagura to rites developed to entertain and invite deities after mythic events such as Amaterasu’s retreat into the cave. Over centuries, kagura evolved from courtly ritual into a widespread practice performed by shrine priests and miko (shrine attendants). Performances blend dance, music, and, in some cases, spoken narration. Common instruments include the kagura suzu bells, drums, and flutes, and performers wear traditional robes and headdresses as they move through stylized gestures.

Regional styles of kagura are numerous. The best-known variant is Ise Kagura, associated with the Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture, and it preserves a long, ritual repertoire. Other local forms exist across Japan, each with its own dances, melodies, and ritual sequences. Today, kagura remains a living tradition, performed at shrines, festivals, and community events, serving both sacred purposes and the preservation of cultural heritage.