Yumi Kagura

Festival highlights

Its most distinctive feature is that the bow itself is at the heart of both the ritual and the music.

The bowstring is struck in front of the sacred seat while a copper percussion instrument and flute sound and ritual prayers are recited.

You can experience an old form of kagura that brings together not only dances, but also prayers, the sounds of instruments, and the resonance of a bow.

A folk performing art of Fuchu, carrying prayers forward through the resonance of a bow and the melodies of kagura

What to expect

At the festival, a yuwawa ring is first set in front of the sacred seat and a bow is fastened to it.

After that, the bowstring is struck to the accompaniment of a copper percussion instrument and flute while ritual prayers are recited to worship Dokojin.

This is a ritual in which people pray for abundant harvests and household safety through music and prayer.

Location and access

Address

Fuchu City

Host municipality 広島県府中市

This map shows the surrounding area, not the exact venue location.

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Origins and History of Yumi Kagura

Yumi Kagura is a form of kagura once performed throughout Bingo, in eastern Hiroshima Prefecture.

Today, only a limited number of local traditions remain, and Fuchu City’s Yumi Kagura is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture.

In 1978, it was also selected by the national government as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property for which measures such as documentation should be undertaken.

Source: 国指定文化財等データベース

Official information

The Cultural Properties Section of the Cultural Properties Office, Education Policy Division, Fuchu City Board of Education, provides information about Yumi Kagura as a cultural property.

For inquiries, call 0847-44-9024.

During office hours, you can check details about its cultural heritage status and whether it is open to the public.

Yumi Kagura at a Glance

Yumi Kagura is a form of kagura that conveys prayers through the sound of a struck bowstring, an ensemble of a copper percussion instrument and flute, and ritual prayers.

This folk performing art has been passed down in Fuchu City as a way to pray for abundant harvests and household safety.

A local cultural tradition designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture and selected as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the national government.

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