Shimokawachi Kaguradan (Shimogochi Kaguradan)

Introduction of the Kaguradan/
It is a kagura group that has been handed down since ancient times in the Shimokawachi district of Itsukaichi-cho, Saeki-ku, Hiroshima. We are based at Kawachi Shrine, but there are 2 kagura groups in the Kawachi district, and Kawachi Shrine dedicates them alternately every year. According to folklore, it was at the end of the Edo period and the Tenpo era when Taijiro Morioka and several other elders in Shimokawachi village asked the teachings of Aki 12 Jingu Kagamori (Ise Kagura) from Yamada Village's shajin Yamada Village and started the Kagura troupe It's called Mari. Since then, it has been handed down from generation to generation. There was a time when it was temporarily suspended during the war, but volunteers gathered in Showa 24 to revive it and continue its activities.
Since the latter half of the Showa 50s, the survival of the Kagura troupe began to be compromised due to the decrease in the number of members, and not only the dedication once every two years, but also expanded the range of activities, and several young members of the Kagura group at that time were active in the northern area of Hiroshima prefecture. He made efforts to introduce Geihoku Kagura called (tone) and Takada Mai (8 tone), and the current Shimokawachi Kagura Troupe is being formed.
In recent years, the number of performances has increased, albeit little by little, and it is active throughout the year.
Currently, the number of performances of Geihoku Kagura is increasing at various events, etc., but I would like to dedicate Juni Kagura at the Autumn Festival and pass on the ritual dance to future generations.
Name of Representative (Title)/YAMASHITA Kiyotaka (Leader)
Contact/Phone 090-1689-7270 e-mail simogohchikagura@yahoo.co.jp
When the Kaguradan was found/Tenpo era (end of the Edo period)
Number of members: 17
Holding programs/
Aki Juni Jingi Kagura (Henbai, Soot Sweep, Seki, and 10 other programs)
Geihoku Kagura (6th tone, 8th tone, Yaga Dairochi, Mt. Oe, Momijigari, 5 other programs)
Local Shrine/ Kawachi Shrine
Performance period at a local shrine/ The night before the 2nd Sunday of October (alternating with the Kamikawachi Kagura Troupe every year), Hiyoshi Shrine Gion Festival mid-July
Past Performances/National Cultural Festival Hiroshima, Western Hiroshima Kagura Competition, Iwami-Aki Exchange Kagura Dance Yuden, etc.
Business trip kagura performance/Yes (As a general rule, we receive business trip performances on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. (On weekdays, consultation is available on the day when the performance can be performed.)