“In a flash, the dancing women transform into demons, their hideous faces glowering in the mist above our helpless heroes as the wood flute unleashes a desperate flourish, and the drums and cymbals thrash a wild frenzy.”
Client: Setouchi Reflection Trip, the official travel guide to the Setouchi Region of Japan.
Project Description: Write a travel advertorial with photographs.
A Quote
“In a flash, the dancing women transform into demons, their hideous faces glowering in the mist above our helpless heroes as the wood flute unleashes a desperate flourish, and the drums and cymbals thrash a wild frenzy.”
The Inside Scoop
I was a big Kagura fan already, so the project editor decided I was the natural choice to do a write up on a Kagura theme park. And I’m glad he did.
And while it is, technically, a theme park, Kagura Monzen Tojimura (KMT) presents more of a quiet getaway than a wild ride. Which makes sense, considering the “theme” is an ancient theatrical dance. No roller coasters. No spin-and-puke rides. The only things twirling about are the dancers, and they do a damn fine job of it.
Kagura itself is fascinating to watch anywhere you happen to find it, but there is a real magic to seeing it while seated on tatami with refreshments. And that’s exactly how they do it at Kagura Monzen Toujimura. Very cool. And as for the Kagura itself, the shows they put on are top notch.
The funny thing about Kagura is that all the stories are basically about samurai thwarting demons, but really it’s the demons that steal the show. With their elaborate masks, growling voices, and stage effects of rolling mists, exploding confetti, and (on occasion) pyrotechnics, the samurai heroes amount to little more than a backdrop. Albeit a backdrop that always prevails.
The retro village they cooked up at KMT is probably best enjoyed with kids, but it was fun to wander about and snap photos. It really does look like a post-war-recovery town. Considering that most historic recreations in Japan have to do with the Edo Period, there’s something fresh about a 1960’s throwback, even if that time frame is a bit of a no man’s land — too old to be hip, but too recent to be beyond living memory.
Even so, KMT is a fun spot for a day trip. And it was awesome getting to write about Kagura and its rich history.
My Favorite Part
Demons and samurai. But mostly the demons.
See the results:
Kagura Monzen Tojimura – Experience Ancient Theater in a Vintage Village
