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On-Matsuri and the Sacred Art of Kasuga The Kasuga Shrine Maidens
Nara National Museum
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The Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is an annual festival during which offerings representing various performing arts traditions are presented to the Wakamiya deity at the o-tabisho, a sacred venue constructed to serve as the deity’s temporary sanctuary. For twenty-four hours, the deity is feted with music and dance. On-Matsuri is especially renowned for the furyūgyōretsu, the procession of the ritual’s participants transporting the deity, along with the varieties of sacred dance and music that it encompasses like dengaku, bugaku, and sarugaku. The Heian-period origins of On-Matsuri are evidenced by records tracing back to 1136 (Hōen 2). Its traditions have been protected and carried on through the generations, and this year marks its 888th observance.
Each year, the Nara National Museum hosts a Feature Exhibition introducing the On-Matsuri festival, its history, rituals, and its associated arts of Kasuga faith. This year, we focus on the shrine maidens (mikanko) who have made offerings of music and dance from the earliest moments of the On-Matsuri festival. Their performances have developed into their present form incorporating cultural influences from various periods. The mikanko are also tasked with conveying the prayers of the devotees from all ranks of society who assemble to worship the Wakamiya deity at the main worship hall of Kasuga Wakamiya Shrine. We are eager to present glimpses into the beautiful and sacred world of On-Matsuri, which includes the entire Yamato region. This year, we highlight the women who have long served as a link between the Wakamiya deity and the communities connected by their faith.
Each year, the Nara National Museum hosts a Feature Exhibition introducing the On-Matsuri festival, its history, rituals, and its associated arts of Kasuga faith. This year, we focus on the shrine maidens (mikanko) who have made offerings of music and dance from the earliest moments of the On-Matsuri festival. Their performances have developed into their present form incorporating cultural influences from various periods. The mikanko are also tasked with conveying the prayers of the devotees from all ranks of society who assemble to worship the Wakamiya deity at the main worship hall of Kasuga Wakamiya Shrine. We are eager to present glimpses into the beautiful and sacred world of On-Matsuri, which includes the entire Yamato region. This year, we highlight the women who have long served as a link between the Wakamiya deity and the communities connected by their faith.
Schedule | Dec 9 (Sat) 2023-Jan 14 (Sun) 2024 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Adults ¥700; University Students ¥350; High School Students and Under, Seniors 70 & Over, Persons with Disability Certificates + 1 Companion free. | ||||
| Website | https://www.narahaku.go.jp/english/exhibition/special/feature_exhibition/202312_on-matsuri/ | ||||
| Venue | Nara National Museum https://www.narahaku.go.jp/english/ | ||||
| Location | 50 Noborioji-cho, Nara-shi, Nara 630-8213 | ||||
| Access | 15 minute walk from exit 2 at Kintetsu-Nara Station on the Kintetsu line; From the East exit of Nara Station on the JR Kansai Main line, take the Nara Kotsu bus and get off at Himurojinja-Kokuritsuhakubutsukan. | ||||
| Phone | 050-5542-8600 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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