Iwami Night Kagura

In the western part of Shimane Prefecture lies the Iwami region, home to the powerful traditional performing art of Iwami Kagura. In Masuda City, this cultural treasure comes to life through Iwami Night Kagura, a regular evening performance that brings ancient Japanese mythology to the modern stage.

With dazzling gold and silver costumes, fierce deities and demons dancing in dynamic movements, and the powerful beat of drums and flutes echoing through the hall, the performance transports you into a vivid world of legend and spirit.

Iwami Kagura is a traditional performing art based on the stories of deities found in ancient Japanese texts such as the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters). It originally began as a Shinto ritual performed to pray for a bountiful harvest.

Today, it is not only performed at shrine festivals but also showcased at local events and celebrations, making it a beloved part of the region's cultural heritage.

What sets the Iwami style apart is its fast-paced choreography and powerful stage presence. Lavish, vibrant costumes and the deep resonance of traditional musical instruments create a dynamic performance that leaves a lasting impact on all who watch.

Iwami Night Kagura – A Special Stage in Masuda

To make this cultural experience accessible to all, Masuda City hosts regular Iwami Night Kagura performances from January through August.

These performances take place exclusively at the EAGA Building (3rd Floor Grand Hall) near Masuda Station.
Please note: other venues like Grand Toit or local inns may host special performances during events, but they are not part of the regular series.

One of the most thrilling pieces is “Orochi”, which dramatizes the epic battle between the god Susanoo and the fearsome eight-headed serpent, Yamata-no-Orochi. Though fire effects are not used indoors, the sheer presence and energy of the massive serpent puppet as it coils across the stage delivers an unforgettable experience.

Note: These performances do not include live narration, but programs and pamphlets are available for context.

Powered by Community – The Kagura Shachu of Masuda

Behind each performance are the dedicated local groups known as Kagura Shachu. These community-based troupes include everyone from children to elders, who rehearse regularly and pass down their art through generations.

In Masuda, Kagura is woven into everyday life, and that passion is felt in every moment on stage. The performers' intensity and presence bring a raw, human energy that resonates deeply with the audience.

Myth Comes Alive Indoors – A Sacred Encounter through Dance

Iwami Night Kagura is held indoors, offering a focused, atmospheric setting to enjoy the performance. While it does not include fire effects, lighting and sound design create a rich, immersive stage that highlights the drama and elegance of the dances.

From September to December, Masuda also hosts dedicatory outdoor Kagura (Hōnō Kagura) at local shrines, where traditional fire effects and open-air ambiance enhance the experience even further.

 

Meet the Gods on a Masuda Night

Iwami Night Kagura brings ancient myths to life, connecting past and present, people and deities, through powerful music and dance.
It’s a night where legends breathe again—told not in words, but in motion, rhythm, and spirit.

Come and experience an evening where the gods descend, and the stories of old dance once more beneath the lights of Masuda.