From ancient times, we Japanese find divinity in the nature which brings grace and sometimes violence. We have held festivals as means of communicating with deities, and cultivated performing arts. And there has always been prayer, filled with reverence and gratitude for beings beyond human understanding.
Prayers as a way of communicating with the deities naturally gave rise to rituals and etiquette as people facing the deities, which over the years have borne fruit in the ritual implements and costumes that we use today.
The special exhibition "Attire of Prayer," which shares the concept with the Japanese mythological musical drama "Yakumo Tatsu," will feature an intriguing display of various attire that adorns prayer, including costumes used in Shinto rituals and events that have been passed down by the Japanese people since ancient times, as well as masks, costumes and a model of Orochi, mythical eight-headed serpent, from Iwami Kagura that appear in the musical drama.
The venue will also introduce the attractions and tourist information of Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture, the home of Iwami Kagura.
Please be sure to check it out along with the musical drama "Yakumo Tatsu."