Hiba Kojin Kagura

Festival highlights

Highlights include the Nanaza Shinto ritual, which welcomes the gods, and shinno performances based on myths and legends.

The repertoire includes The Slaying of the Great Serpent, The Opening of the Rock Cave, The Transfer of the Land, Taisha, Kojin, and Yamato Takeru, as well as Gogyo-mai and Ryuu-oshi.

Another distinctive feature is the preservation of spirit possession and divine oracles, offering a glimpse of a performance in which local belief and performing arts are closely connected.

Shobara's traditional kagura, where Kojin worship and myth-inspired dances live on

What to expect

At the event, the Kojin is first welcomed to the toya, who takes a central role in the festival, and rituals associated with Dokojin and Kojin are performed.

Then the Nanaza Shinto ritual, shinno, and Gogyo-mai are performed, with a takadono, a shrine worship hall, or a private home serving as the main performance space.

The event concludes with the Kojin being sent back, bringing together rituals and performing arts over an extended period.

Location and access

Venue and address

Motoyama Sanbo Kojin Shrine.

Located in Tojo and Saijo, Shobara City.

Source: 広島のまつり【日程未定行事】 | 広島県神社庁

Address Tojo and Saijo, Shobara City

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Dates and season

Depending on the area, Hiba Aragami Kagura traditionally holds a grand kagura for its ceremonial year in the 7th, 9th, 13th, 17th, or 33rd year, and a small kagura in other years.

In recent years, the grand kagura is often performed over 2 days and 1 night, while the small kagura is often performed over 1 night.

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Origins and History of Hiba Kojin Kagura

The date of origin of Hiba Kojin Kagura is unknown, but written records and historical sources, including documents from the Tochigi family, suggest that it has continued for more than 400 years.

It was once held over four days and four nights; today, it is said that events lasting two days and one night are common.

The venue has also changed, from a takadono serving as the main performance space to the use of shrine worship halls and private homes.

Official information

Shobara City's cultural heritage guide introduces Hiba Kojin Kagura's designation category, location, characteristics, repertoire, and history of transmission.

The National Database of Designated Cultural Properties also provides details and commentary on its registration as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Hiba Kojin Kagura at a Glance

Hiba Kojin Kagura is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property rooted in Kojin worship and ancestor worship, passed down in Tojo and Saijo, Shobara City.

A rich variety of rituals and performing arts have been passed down, including the Nanaza Shinto ritual, shinno, Gogyo-mai, Ryuu-oshi, and spirit possession and divine oracles.

Although its date of origin is unknown, it is believed to be a local tradition that has continued for more than 400 years.