Masks (Omote-sama)

The masks used in kagura are celled omote-sama. They are revered as an embodiment of the kami deities themselves and are treated with the utmost respect. Each omote-sama has its own expression and history, and some are said to date back to the beginning of the kagura custom over eight hundred years ago.

Kagura Paper Decorations (Erimono)

Paper is used in a number of Shinto rituals. For the kagura, special Japanese paper is cut into various designs called erimono to fence off and adorn the koniwa kagura stage. Each local area uses different numbers and decoration styles of erimono, all with distinct meanings.