Night kagura performance

Hiroshima Prefecture has a thriving kagura community. Renowned as one of the leading regions for kagura in Japan, there are almost three hundred kagura groups active in the prefecture. Back in times when there was little entertainment available, kagura was one of the major events enjoyed by the whole village. A stage was erected in the precincts of the shrines, and kagura was offered as a prayer and sign of gratitude to the gods. In between dances, participants held competitions of firework techniques including fukibi (fire-blowing) and others, and they often danced all through the night by the burning bonfire. It is said that spectators too would each bring food and drink and spend the whole night there enjoying the event.