Location: Arasawa, Yashima-machi, Yurihonjo City
Site(s) of performance: Various places in the community
Date(s): January 1, August 13 and 14, and December 31
Designation: City-Designated Intangible Folkloric Cultural Property
Category: Dai-Kagura
This kagura is closely linked to Ranbasan-Iwashimizu Shrine and used to be called Ranbasan Kagura. According to the record ‘Ranba Troupe Records’ of 1909, the tradition of kagura was revived by introducing the orthodox kagura dance from Tsukidate Hachiman Shrine. The performance numbers have Hon-Jishi dances (main dances) and Miya-Jishi dances (dances for exorcism). As Hon-Jishi, Yose, Kazaguruma, Momidashi, Heisoku-no-te, Suzu-no-te (Bell Hand), Sasara, Kurui (Madness), Mondō (Dialogue), Hongrui (Serious Madness), and Makuhazushi are performed. The player of sasara (a wooden percussion instrument played with a rubbing stick) stays inside the lion for the first four dance numbers, but comes out when Suzu-no-te is played and then engages in a conversation with the lion. Another interesting feature of the kagura dance is that the speed gradually increases after Kurui (Madness).

About Dai-Kagura