Location: Yokooka-Ōmori, Kisakata-machi, Nikaho City
Site(s) of performance: Shinmei Shrine and other places in the community
Date(s): 3rd Monday of July
Category: Dai-kagura
Ōmori Daidai-Kagura seems to be derived from Ise Dai-Kagura. Even if its beginning is unknown, from the facts that Shinmei Shrine is the main shrine of the community and that the pilgrimage to Ise Shrine was very popular in this community, it is assumed that the practice of Dai-Kagura here is a result of the local residents’ ardent worship of the Ise Shrine. On the other hand, it is also argued that the dai-kagura was brought from the Kansai region, because this place was governed by Lord Ikoma during the Edo era and the Ikoma family was from Sanuki Province (present-day Kagawa Prefecture) in the Kansai region. Ōmori-Daidai Kagura has divine songs to accompany it. It is also interesting that the player of sasara (a wooden percussion instrument played with a rubbing stick) moves just in front of the lion and also that an okame (female mask) dance is performed. This kagura represents the story of the Celestial Rock Gate in the Japanese mythology and is believed to repel diseases and bring a good harvest of all crops. Music is played with drums and Japanese flutes.

About Dai-Kagura