Nanbu Kagura

A collective term for dance performances rooted in ancient Shinto beliefs. Various regional styles of Kagura are maintained throughout Japan, serving as central elements of festivals and sacred rituals. Significantly influencing stage arts like Noh and Butoh, it represents a vital form of Japanese traditional culture.

香川縣高松地域流傳的神社祭禮舞蹈藝能。透過獅子舞、岩戸開等演目，融合神事與娛樂的傳統民俗藝能。自江戶時代傳承至今，由地方住民在夏祭、秋祭時演出，象徵著地域的信仰精神。

岩手縣世代相傳的天神信仰祭祀舞踊。在供奉菅原道真的神社祭典中，地方住民身著傳統服飾，隨著古樂起舞。此民俗藝能延續自江戶時代，表達對學問之神的感謝與祈願，象徵著在地的教育文化底蘊。

Traditional dance performed during the Tenjin Matsuri festival in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, honoring Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning. Featuring solemn and graceful choreography within this sacred context with approximately 400 years of documented tradition. This exemplifies the profound relationship between Northeast Japanese religious beliefs and performing arts. It demonstrates the cultural significance of dance in regional festival contexts.

Kagura sacred dance traditions continuing since the Edo period at Nagano's Seijo Shrine. Expresses Japan's sacred realm through intricate footwork and arm movements in ritual performance. Well-preserved among regional shrine arts with exceptional ethnographic and cultural significance.

島根縣出雲地方神社舉行的神事藝能。包括「大社舞」、「惠比須舞」等演目，透過華麗衣裳與洗練舞姿表現神道儀式。這項傳統藝能源自古代，是出雲信仰文化的核心要素，並已登錄為聯合國教科文組織無形文化遺產。

Japanese folk culture continuing from the Edo period. Dances performed during summer Obon to honor ancestors. Each region develops unique styles, spawning famous festivals like Awa Dance and Aomori Nebuta. As a symbol of common people's cultural transmission and creative innovation, it remains active in bon dances nationwide.