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Kagura Costumes

Originally, Kagura costumes worn throughout Japan were quite simple, dyed only with flowers or abstract designs. But with the development of theatrical dance in Iwami Kagura, concrete motifs such as dragons, tigers, and demons, as well as the use of gold and silver embroidery began appearing and gradually the costumes have become increasingly elaborate, many costing over a million yen. Many dances are performed with the intent of showing off the costumes.

Changes in the costumes also greatly affected the use of the stage and the performance as a whole. First of all, stages had to be widened to accommodate them. Stage curtains were embroidered or dyed, and the lighting was changed so that it would emphasize the dancers. It is important to examine the history behind these changes or else Kagura is in danger of becoming merely another performance art with no meaning. These changes have made Kagura into a performance that anyone can enjoy.

Embroidered costume worn by a god

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NPO Hiroshima kagura Art Laboratory

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