Izumo Kagura (Sacred Shrine Dance)

A sacred performance art conducted at shrines in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. Featuring performances like 'Taishamai' and 'Ebisu mai,' it expresses Shinto ritual through elaborate costumes and refined dance. Inherited from ancient times, it is central to Izumo faith culture and registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Stage expression based on Benten (Saraswati), the widely worshipped Shinto-Buddhist deity of fortune and arts. A syncretic religious and artistic performance combining music, dance, and visual art. Biwa lute melodies and graceful choreography evoke the deity's sacred essence. Evolved from Edo-period temple culture, this tradition continues in island communities and temples nationwide, representing a unique fusion of religious devotion and performing arts.

An all-female musical theater troupe founded in 1914. Distinguished by its otokoyaku (male-role) and musumeyaku (female-role) system, it stages spectacular musicals and revues. With its unique star system and passionate fan culture, it occupies a singular position in Japanese entertainment history.

A traditional Japanese storytelling art where a single performer sits on a cushion using only a fan and towel to enact stories. Established in the Edo period, it features the technique of portraying multiple characters through masterful narration. English rakugo and young performers are recently attracting new audiences.

A festival dance originating in Kochi Prefecture, characterized by dancing with naruko (wooden clappers). The Kochi Yosakoi Festival, started in 1954, spread nationwide due to its flexibility allowing free choreography and costumes, evolving uniquely in each region including the 'YOSAKOI Soran Festival.'

An all-female revue founded in 1914. Its gorgeous musicals with female actors playing male roles are uniquely Japanese entertainment, drawing 2.5 million annually for over 100 years.