【May 24 (Sun)】The 30th Bichu Kagura Appreciation Event Kurashiki Performance - A Kagura appreciation event where you can also enjoy a collaboration with Iwami Kagura at Geibunkan.

Have you ever seen Bichu Kagura?

Bichu Kagura is said to have originated from "Kojin Kagura," which was dedicated to the gods by priests during the Muromachi period over 500 years ago, and it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset by the national government in 1979.

While it is often associated with Takahashi City, Ibara City, and Yakage Town, there are actually groups performing Bichu Kagura in Kurashiki City.

We would like to introduce the "30th Bichu Kagura Appreciation Event Kurashiki Performance," organized by the Bichu Kagura Preservation Promotion Association Bichu Kagura Kurashiki Society, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year (2026).

What is the Bichu Kagura Appreciation Event (Kurashiki Performance)?

The Bichu Kagura Appreciation Event (Kurashiki Performance) is a performance of Bichu Kagura that will be held on May 24, 2026 (Sunday) at Geibunkan Hall in Kurashiki City.

There have been years when the event was canceled due to measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it has generally been held every year, and this will be the 30th event in 2026.

This time, the "Iwami Kagura," which is also designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset by the national government and is passed down in the western part of Shimane Prefecture, will also be performed.

Interview with Bichu Kagura Preservation Promotion Association Bichu Kagura Kurashiki Society

We spoke with Shirakami Toshiaki, the vice president of the Bichu Kagura Preservation Promotion Association Bichu Kagura Kurashiki Society, which organizes the appreciation event.

Could you tell us about the background of the Bichu Kagura Appreciation Event?

Shirakami (no honorifics)

The Bichu Kagura Preservation Promotion Association was established in 1995.
Originally, there were many people involved in Bichu Kagura in Takahashi City, Ibara City, and Yakage Town, but due to work and other circumstances, more people began to move to Okayama City and the surrounding areas of Kurashiki City.

However, at that time, there was not much Kagura being performed in Okayama or Kurashiki, so the association was established with the desire to let the residents of Okayama and Kurashiki see and learn about Kagura.

Since then, performances have been held in Okayama and Kurashiki, and this Kurashiki performance will mark the memorable 30th event.

Could you tell us about the highlights and points of interest for this event?

Shirakami

This time, to commemorate the 30th event, we will invite a group from Shimane Prefecture's "Iwami Kagura" to perform a collaborative show.

Iwami Kagura is characterized by its very flashy costumes and performances, which are powerful and cool. On the other hand, the Bichu Kagura that we perform has a strong theatrical element, incorporating comedic elements similar to a stand-up routine with current events, making it a dynamic form of Kagura.

We hope that attendees will enjoy comparing and contrasting these two forms of Kagura.

Additionally, for those seeing it for the first time, we encourage you to pay attention to the scene where the great deity throws sweets and rice cakes into the audience, known as "Fuku no Tane," the intense battle scenes, and the spectacular Orochi slaying, as these will allow you to fully experience the excitement and appeal of Kagura.

Finally, could you give a message to the readers?

Shirakami

The venue, Geibunkan Hall in Kurashiki City, is right next to the Bikan Historical Area, so I hope you can take a stroll through the Bikan Historical Area in the morning and then enjoy the Kagura performance in the afternoon for a fulfilling day.

Recently, thanks to the comedy routines of the comedian Tokyo Hoteison, more people are starting to see Bichu Kagura for the first time.

However, due to aging, the number of members involved in Kagura is unfortunately decreasing. I hope that more young people will come to see and learn about it, and that even a few will think, "I want to try performing Kagura," and join us in supporting it.

Please take this opportunity to experience the charm of Bichu Kagura, which is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset and a treasure of Okayama Prefecture, at the venue.

Conclusion

When I was a child, I saw Bichu Kagura several times at a relative's house in Yakage.
However, despite the name "Bichu," I had never seen it in Kurashiki, and I learned for the first time through this interview that the appreciation event has been ongoing for nearly 30 years.

This is a rare opportunity to see Bichu Kagura up close.
How about visiting Geibunkan Hall in Kurashiki City on May 24?

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