“Iwami kagura” is a traditional performing art practiced in Iwami Region of Shimane prefecture in Japan.
“Iwami” is the old name of the western part of Shimane prefecture. The name of “Iwami” dates back to 3rd century when Kingdom of Yamato conquered the current western Shimane and established an administrative center and appointed a powerful clan leader as governer. The name of Province of Iwami had continued until the end of Edo Period in 19th century. In 19th century when Meiji Government combined Izumo and Iwami into Shimane prefecture.
“Kagura” is a shinto ritual dance widely practiced across Japan. The common theory says it is a performing art to entertain gods and goddesses, as “ka” means “gods and goddesses” and “gura” means “enjoyment”
One popular theory is that kagura originated from the time when Sun Goddess hid herself in a cave. In Japanese mythology there is a story that Sun Goddess got upset and hid herself in a cave and the world turned pitch dark. In order to lure her out, Ame-no-uzume, Music Goddess, performed an erotic dance on a barrel and the audience cheered and laughed. Sun Goddess wanted to know what was going on and opened the door to peek, when a male god took off the door, so Sun Goddess could not go back to the cave. Some believe that kagura has continued since the time of Sun Goddess, but there is no evidence to support the claim.
It is not certain when kagura began, but it is said the performing art was developed probably around 8th century. During that times, a variety of performing arts were introduced to Japan from China such as comedy shows, masked plays, acrobatic shows, puppet shows, and musical instruments. Kagura’s programs, terms and props were similar to those of “noh,” another traditional performing art of Japan.
Do you want to know more about Iwami kagura? Join the free Iwami kagura show and workshop for non-Japanese on November 11, 2025.
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