Do you know about Bitchu Kagura?
It is a traditional performing art (Kagura) that has been passed down in the Takahashi River basin since the Edo period, and is still dedicated at festivals and events today.
The "Nariwa Bitchu Kagura Development Association," based in Nariwa-cho, Takahashi City, where Bitchu Kagura originated, is responsible for nurturing the performers of Bitchu Kagura.
Takeru from Tokyo Hoteison, who serves as the PR ambassador for Takahashi City, is also an alumnus of this association. We interviewed the performers who are dedicated to practicing Bitchu Kagura.
What is Bitchu Kagura
The history of Bitchu Kagura traces back over 500 years to the Muromachi period, where it is said to have originated from "Kojin Kagura," which was dedicated by priests in front of the deities.
This was performed as a ritual to pacify the raging gods.
The dances of Sarutahiko no Mikoto and Sakaki, which are part of the Bitchu Kagura repertoire, are said to have been influenced by Kojin Kagura.
The modern theatrical Bitchu Kagura, rich in drama based on Japanese mythology, is said to have been popularized by Nishibayashi Kokkyou, a priest in Nariwa-cho, Takahashi City, about 220 years ago during the Edo period.
Nishibayashi Kokkyou
A scholar of national studies and priest in the late Edo period. He is known as the founder of Bitchu Kagura.
Influences from Iwami Kagura, which originated in the western part of present-day Shimane Prefecture, can be seen, with representative performances including Opening of the Rock Door (Iwatobiraki), Land Surrender (Kuniyuzuri), and Slaying the Great Serpent (Orochitaiji), which are based on the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
About Nariwa Bitchu Kagura Development Association
The Nariwa Bitchu Kagura Development Association was established in 1988.
In 1979, following the designation of Bitchu Kagura as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, it was formed as one of the children's Kagura groups established in various locations in the Takahashi River basin area, with the aim of nurturing children to become performers of Bitchu Kagura.
Currently, there are 10 members ranging from preschoolers to high school students, and they practice for about two hours every Wednesday evening at the Takahashi City Nariwa Cultural Center Annex.
Additionally, during weekends and long school breaks, they showcase their achievements at performances held not only in Takahashi City but also in various locations throughout Okayama Prefecture.
Practice
For the interview, we observed the practice on April 9, 2025 (Wednesday). The intense performances reminiscent of the actual event captivated our attention.
Under the guidance of the chief instructor Otsuka Yoshinobu, and instructors and alumni of the development association Fujihara Shion and Fujihara Rina, the students practice various performances.
This is Maruyama Kenshiro, a second-year junior high school student. He is a veteran with a 10-year career, having started Bitchu Kagura at the age of 3.
Regarding the charm of Bitchu Kagura, Maruyama said:
"The charm of Bitchu Kagura is that both the performers and the audience can enjoy it together. The dynamic and powerful performances, especially in Slaying the Great Serpent, are particularly enjoyable."
The younger children are also practicing by imitating what the older students are doing.
Performance
During weekends and long school breaks, performances are held not only in Takahashi City but also in various locations throughout Okayama Prefecture.
This is a performance at the "Nariwa Festival" held in Nariwa-cho, Takahashi City in November 2024.
This is a performance at an event held at Convex Okayama (Kita Ward, Okayama City) in April 2025.
We spoke with Otsuka Yoshinobu, the chief instructor, about Bitchu Kagura and the Nariwa Bitchu Kagura Development Association, where he is involved in training the next generation.
Data on Nariwa Bitchu Kagura Development Association
| Name | Nariwa Bitchu Kagura Development Association |
|---|---|
| Address | 967 Shimohara, Nariwa-cho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Website | Nariwa Bitchu Kagura Development Association |
