Dance in Shinto: Mystery Embodied in Movement In Shinto, the ancient Japanese religion, dance (Japanese mai, 舞) is not just an art form but a sacred ritual, a means of communication with the kami (gods or spirits). Its purpose is not aesthetic pleasure for the audience, but participation in the cosmic order, attracting grace, calming the elements, and expressing gratitude. Here, dance is a prayer in motion, a visible embodiment of an invisible power. Origins and Mythology The roots of ritual dance lie deep in the heart of Shinto mythology. According to the text "Kojiki" (8th century), the mother of dance is the goddess Amaterasu. When the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave, plunging the world into darkness, Amaterasu performed an ecstatic, even erotic dance on a turned-over jar. Her frenzy and rhythmic movements caused such a loud laugh from the assembled gods that the curious Amaterasu peeked out from her refuge, and light was returned to the world. This myth establishes dance as a cosmogonic act of importance, possessing the power to attract divine attention and restore harmony. Major Types and Forms Ritual dances can be divided into two major categories: Kagura (神楽) — literally "entertainment for the gods." This is a general name for temple dances performed during festivals (matsuri). Kagura comes in two types: Mikagura — court kagura, strictly regulated, performed in the imperial palace or large shrines in honor of heavenly deities. It is slow, majestic movements to the accompaniment of flutes, citrus instruments, and ritual chants. Sato-kagura — "village kagura," more diverse and lively. It includes both ceremonial acts and vibrant performances with masks and costumes depicting mythological plots or historical events. Kagura-mai — the actual dance part of the kagura ritual. Performers are often mikos (temple girls, attendants) or specially trained priests. Mikos' movements are smooth, circular, using ritual objects: branches of the sacred saka tree, bells, fan ... Read more