Tsushima Kagura

Tsushima Kagura (kagura being a type of performance done for the gods) is a Kagura troup belonging to Yatsushima Shrine in the Tsujima area of Toyooka. It is considered one of Oita's Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. According to records for 1606, it was already considered a deep tradition. The group usually performs during the shrine's autumn festival and is sometimes invited to perform in other places, too. In the past, the group was once active in the Miyanoshita area as well as the area of Hoke-ji Temple, but is now only active in Miyanoshita.
Named 'Hosha' or 'Satokagura', the performers are divided in to 6 dancers and 5 band members, totalling at 11 performers. The performance is divided in to three kinds of kagura, called Sato Kagura, Iwato Kagura and Oga Kagura (the latter is often refered to as 'Jakiri').
Kanjin and Hakuto are among the many names appearing in the lineup that cannot be found in other kagura groups in the region. Thanks to this, along with its deep history, the group is gaining much attention.
In 1959, Tsujima Kagura was chosen to perform at Ise shrine. In 1973,the group performed at the Kyushu Folk Art Competition before going on to win the first prize at Oita Kagura Competition in 1980.