Takachiho Yokagura Dances: Tejikarao no Mai

A scene of the traditional Shinto ritual known as Yokagura. The first dance is called the Tajikarao no Mai (“The Dance of Tajikarao”). In these dances held in each town, the Japanese gods of myths and legends all appear, including the Shinto goddess of the sun and universe, Amaterasu. Designated as important national intangible cultural assets in 1978, Takachiho Yokagura dances give thanks for a bountiful autumn harvest, and the 33 kagura dances are dedicated to the gods as prayers for a bountiful harvest in the coming year.