Japan Fukuoka Gion Matsuri Kagura Dance - 日本福岡県豊前の神楽祇園祭り

Kagura is a dance based on Japanese mythology, translated as "entertaining the gods." Originally called "kamukura" or "kamikura," kagura dances are thought to have been very simple, similar to miko (shrine maiden) dances or puppet dances. Kagura is performed in many other parts of Japan.
Kagura evolved over time into its present form, becoming grandiose and theatrical under the influence of noh and kabuki. After the Meiji period (1868–1912), local people, rather than priests, began dancing in kagura performances, and it became known as sato-kagura, or "village kagura."
Kagura in Miyako is characterized by its re-enactment of Japanese mythology, especially the story of "Amano-Iwato"—the re-enactment of various stories in the myth to the sounds of traditional Japanese flute music and taiko drums.
The dancers are usually dressed in colorful, archaic costumes and masks, sometimes performing at a high level. In some programs, priests play the roles of mythical gods.
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