Sakaki-ryu Aoma Kagura at Aoma Shrine | A traditional Kagura dance performed in Kyoto and mastered [Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture]

What is Sakaki-ryu Aoma Kagura?

Sakakiryu Aosokagurais said to have begun in 1807 (Bunka 4), when Suzuki Tsushima, the 32nd chief priest of Aosokagura Shrine, traveled to Kyoto to study under the Shirakawa family, the head of the Department of Shinto Affairs and the Kyoto Chief of Shinto Affairs, and received full instruction in Kagura.

Since then, it has been passed down through generations to twelve families of shrine attendants in Irisugaya, Rifu Town, near Aoma Shrine, but after World War II, the issue of succession arose. At one point, it was in danger of being abolished, but at the end of the Showa era, volunteers from the Iwakiri Youth Association took over and it survived, and in 1991 it was designated an intangible folk cultural asset of Sendai City, where it remains to this day

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Aoma Shrine (Miyagi Prefecture), a shrine dedicated to the three gods of light: the moon, the stars, and the sun

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/26050

Aoso Shrine is located near Miyagi Prefectural Forest in Iwakiri, Miyagino Ward, Sendai City, near the border between Sendai City and Rifu Town. Nearby are historic sites such as the Iwakiri Castle Ruins and Miyagi Prefectural General Athletic Park Grandi 21. Despite being not far from central Sendai, this beautiful shrine is surrounded by forest and nature. The large rock on which the words "Aoso Iwato Sankogu" are engraved is also known as Aoso Iwato Sankogu, Aoso Gongensha, and Sagajinja. It is the head shrine of Aoso Shrines and Sanko Shrines throughout Japan, representing the three elements of the moon, star, and sun...

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Furthermore, the Sakaki-ryu Eidai Kagura, which is preserved at the Kashima Amatarashiwake Shrine in the Okame district of Tomiya City, Miyagi Prefecture, is said to have been introduced from the Aoma Shrine in 1848 (Koka 5), ​​suggesting that further branches of the style had emerged within Miyagi Prefecture.

Characteristics of Sakaki-ryu Aoma Kagura

The Sakaki-ryu Aoma Kagura is characterized by its "one troupe, two sections" structure, with two dance pieces called "Ranjo" and "Mai" being performed. In other words, one act (one troupe) consists of two dance pieces.

One of the characteristics of this dance is that there is no vocalization or singing, and it is danced to the accompaniment of only drums, taibyoshi, and kagura flutes

These characteristics, along with the repertoire, performance style, and costumes, have been noted for their similarities to the "Tanba style," such as the "Kinoshita Hakusan Shrine Tanba Kagura," a branch of the Twelve-Seat Kagura that was passed down in the Sendai Domain south of Sendai City

According to the official website of Aoma Shrine and the information board in front of the Kagura Hall, there are 14 performances, mainly based on Japanese mythology, but some are missing

Kagura performances are mainly, on May 1st and 3rd at the Aoma Shrine Spring Festivalandon November 23rd at the Niiname-sai Festival. Currently, the dances performed vary depending on the availability of performers.

Sakaki-ryu Aoma Kagura, dedicated at the Niiname-sai Festival in 2025

On November 23, 2025, the Sakaki-ryu Aoma Kagura was dedicated at the Niiname-sai festival at Aoma Shrine. A total of four performances were offered on this day, and although they were offered in no particular order, we will introduce them in chronological order

The Kagura Hall, which is usually closed, was wide open and a simple black and white Kagura curtain dyed with the sacred crest of Aoma Shrine was hung

Second theater “Hoseimai”

Houheimai is a ritual dance in which offerings (heihaku = offerings such as cloth, paper, or other materials) are presented to the gods, and is a performance that shows respect to the gods and officially begins the festival

The deity Futodama-no-Mikoto, who appears in the story , is said to be a god who, along with the god Amenokoyane, was tasked with protecting the shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, that is, the Ise Grand Shrine.

5th za “God Invitation Dance”

Kanmaneki no Mai is a dance that, as the name suggests, is meant to "invite the gods."

This is an important ritual dance for summoning spirits to prepare the venue and bring down divine spirits.The figure appearing in the dance, Amenouzume,is the goddess who, in the myth of "The Legend of Hiding in the Rock Cave," danced in front of the rock cave, creating the opportunity for Amaterasu Omikami to emerge from the cave.

13th performance: Dragon Palace Dance (Kaizu Palace Dance)

Ryugu-mai/Watatsumiya-no-mai is a festival dance of the sea with the theme of Ryugu (Kaizu-gu). It is one of the few dances with a strong narrative quality, depicting the journey to Ryugu, and praying for the blessings of the sea, safe voyages, and bountiful catches

The characters appearing are"Umisachihiko,"also known as "Hosuseri-no-Mikoto," and"Yamasachihiko,"also known as "Hikohode-no-Mikoto."

They are said to be two of the three brothers born to Ninigi-no-Mikoto and Konohana-no-Sakuya-Bime, and while the eldest son, Hoderi-no-Mikoto, is generally considered to be Umisachihiko, in this performance it is the second son, Hosuseri, who appears as Umisachihiko, holding a fishing rod

Umisachihiko and Yamasachihiko exchange their hunting tools, fishing rods and bows, and search for prey in the opposite roles to their usual roles. However, Yamasachihiko accidentally loses his fishing hook in the sea, and after a big argument the two end up falling out

So Yamasachihiko heads to Ryugu (Kaizu Palace) to search for a fishing hook...that's the story

Midway through, a Chinese lion suddenly appears. This is said to represent "the waves of the sea, which are sometimes raging and sometimes calm." In Kagura, Chinese lions often appear as beings that represent Aramitama , the fierce side of nature

Third troupe “Tsurugi”

Tsurugi Mai is a dance that uses a sword to exorcise evil spirits and demonstrates the divine virtue of martial arts

The story has a strong meaning of "protecting the country, pacifying the country, and driving away evil spirits," and features Okume no Mikoto, a man who is said to have accompanied Emperor Jimmu (the first emperor) on his eastern expedition

summary

In places where urbanization is progressing, the "history of the region" tends to fade away as the land undergoes renewal, but the precious folk performing art "Sakakiryu Aoma Kagura" still remains in Sendai City

Opportunities to see it are very limited, but I hope that many people will become interested in it and that it will be passed down for many years to come

Aoma Shrine <Information>

• Name: Aoma Shrine
• Address: 32 Iwakiri Aomazawa, Miyagino Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, 983-0821
• Phone number: 022-255-6670
• Official URL:Aoba Shrine Official Website

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Aoiwa

Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs