Fukushima Travel – Daidai Kagura in Motomiya

On November 3, traditional Daidai Kagura performances were dedicated at four shrines in Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture: Ukishima Shrine, Wada Shrine, Kashima Shrine, and Nagaya Shrine.

Unlike large festivals designed for tourists, these ceremonies are deeply rooted in the local community. They are important occasions for residents, who gather at their neighborhood shrines to celebrate traditions passed down through generations.

For visitors interested in discovering the authentic culture of rural Japan, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience a living tradition that remains an important part of everyday community life.

What Is Daidai Kagura?

Kagura is a traditional form of sacred music and dance performed as an offering to the Shinto deities.

Daidai Kagura is a ceremonial form of Kagura traditionally performed at Shinto shrines during religious festivals. The dancers wear traditional costumes and sometimes masks, accompanied by Japanese instruments and distinctive rhythms.

The performances are not simply entertainment. They are offerings to the gods, expressing gratitude and prayers for the well-being of the community.

In Motomiya, these performances have been carefully preserved by local shrine parishioners, who pass the dances and techniques down to younger generations.

Ukishima Shrine: Preserving an Ancient Style of Kagura

Among the traditions in Motomiya, the Daidai Kagura of Ukishima Shrine is particularly significant.

Its history can be traced back to the Meiji era. In 1881, Jihaichi Kokubu of Shiraiwa learned the dances from Sazen Komatsu, a Shinto priest of Nagaya Shrine, and passed them on to local shrine parishioners.

The tradition survived both before and after World War II without interruption.

The performance follows the Izumo-style Kagura tradition, which originated in the Izumo region of present-day Shimane Prefecture. A total of 32 dance pieces have been handed down, with approximately 15 currently performed.

In recognition of its historical and cultural importance, Shiraiwa Daidai Kagura was designated a Fukushima Prefecture Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in July 1977.

What makes this tradition especially valuable is that its techniques and performance style have been passed directly from one generation to the next, preserving the old forms.

Children Keeping the Tradition Alive

One of the most heartwarming sights during the festival is watching young children perform the sacred dances.

They practice hard to learn the movements, music, and traditions from their elders. Seeing them perform in traditional costumes at the shrine is a reminder that these customs are not simply preserved as historical displays—they are still being passed on as a living part of local culture.

The shrine grounds also become places of community celebration. At some shrines, rice cakes and sweets are thrown to the visitors, who eagerly gather to catch them.

These simple moments reveal the close connection between the religious ceremony and the everyday lives of local residents.

A Festival That Has Never Lost Its Roots

Until the Meiji Restoration, Kagura performances at local festivals were traditionally offered by Shinto priests from neighboring communities.

Over time, the responsibility was transferred to local parishioners, who continued to preserve the dances.

Before the end of World War II, the festival in Shiraiwa lasted two days, with Kagura performances continuing late into the night. It became known locally as the “Night Festival of Shiraiwa.”

Even through the turbulent years of war and the postwar period, the performances continued without being discontinued.

Today, this dedication to preserving tradition remains one of the most remarkable aspects of Motomiya’s Daidai Kagura.

Discover the Authentic Culture of Rural Japan

The Daidai Kagura of Motomiya offers something that can be difficult to find in Japan’s major tourist destinations: an opportunity to witness a local tradition in its original community setting.

There are no elaborate tourist attractions or staged performances. Instead, visitors can experience the sincere dedication of local people, the graceful movements of the dancers, and the warm atmosphere of a traditional shrine festival.

For travelers who want to discover another Japan, beyond the famous cities and well-known sightseeing spots, Motomiya is a wonderful place to explore.

With Deep Japan Tours, discover the festivals, traditions, landscapes, and people that make Fukushima such a special destination.

Come and experience the living traditions of rural Japan with Deep Japan Tours.

Location: Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
Festival date: November 3, 2026