IwatoIwami Kagura
Iwato (The Cave Door)
The deity of the Sun, Amaterasu, hid in a cave and blocked the entrance
with a big rock, and the world was steeped in darkness. The other deities
discussed how to coax her out and bring the light back. One female deity,
Uzume, danced in front of the rock and the other deities watching laughed
and cheered her on. They finally succeeded in drawing Amaterasu out.
It is said the origin of kagura comes from Uzume’s dance, which was presented
with a prayer for Amaterasu’s presence. It is a celebrative play in which
various deities appear.
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