Every five years there's a major kagura event in Buzen, Fukuoka Prefecture, at which the gods are entertained with performances of music and dancing. 24 well-known pieces are presented over the course of a two-day festival. In one, a figure wearing a demon mask climbs a ten-meter pole without a safety rope. Another depicts a Japanese myth about unison between heaven and earth. Children perform the same pieces, and this helps to preserve the local kagura tradition for future generations.
The gods are entertained with music and dancing.
This is at the heart of an enchanting kagura tradition.
Every five years, a major event is held by all six kagura groups in Buzen.
In Japan, this is an important intangible folk-cultural property.
The matsuri is held at Buzen in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Mt. Kubote is a local landmark.
It was once a training base for followers of Shugen-do mountain worship.
They believe that harsh training grants them a power they call "genriki."
They use "this" to protect people from harm.
Kagura is one way for them to showcase this power.
Every five years, Buzen's six kagura groups hold the Buzen Kagura Matsuri.
During a two-day festival, 24 well-known pieces are performed, as well as children's kagura.
Yudate Kagura is strongly influenced by Shugen-do beliefs.
A pole about 10 meters tall stands in the event space.
A fire blazes under a cauldron.
Bamboo leaves are used to flick hot water as a wish for health, a safe life, and a good harvest.
The figure wearing a mask is called Misaki.
He climbs the tall pole without any safety equipment - it's a highlight of the event.
At the top, Misaki cuts off and drops a large banner.
Heaven and earth are now coupled.
Then Misaki entertains the spectators with some acrobatics.
Yudate Kagura closes with a ritual designed to keep fire under control.
Performers walk barefoot over burning coals.
This brings to mind the special powers of Shugen-do practitioners.
By dousing the fire below the cauldron, fire and water, too, are united.
Then comes a performance that is central to the history of Buzen Kagura.
"Misaki Kagura" features a scene from a Japanese myth: the arrival of a grandson of the sun deity.
This kagura performance depicts a meeting between the deity Sarutahiko no Mikoto and Ninigi no Mikoto.
Ninigi's grandmother is Amaterasu, who rules the heavens.
She sends her grandson to the mortal realm on an important mission.
On the way, he encounters a deity who looks terrifying.
Sarutahiko is actually a guide to the mortal realm.
But because of his appearance, Ninigi mistakes him for an enemy.
It takes some time to resolve this misunderstanding.
Eventually the problem is cleared up and Ninigi comes to see that Sarutahiko is a guide.
The two make peace, and Sarutahiko guides Ninigi to the mortal realm.
The unity of heaven and earth is also a prayer for good health, a safe life, and many offspring.
This traditional matsuri has over 800 years of history.
And here is its link to the future: children's kagura.
Children who belong to each of the six kagura groups present their own performances.
As well as learning more about kagura and local customs,
the children deepen their connections to the community.
I was nervous but our
rehearsals helped us do well.
I want to keep
performing as an adult.
The matsuri conveys wishes for community stability and freedom from trouble, now and in the future.