Database: Kagura: Dancing for the Gods

Kagura is music with dance dedicated to the gods performed for Shinto rituals. It is performed for the gods who were invited on site by the installation of their seat in a purified space and burning a torch. These genstures [sic] were designed to appease the soul of the invited deities. The name kagura comes form the word kamigura, the seat of the gods. Among the various forms of kagura, the one performed in the ceremonies of the Imperial Court is respectfully termed mikagura. The forms performed for shrines are called satokagura, meaning countryside kagura. The former is gagaku, a type of Court music.