This book provides a rare glimpse into the exotic pageantry of kagura (Shinto theater), a performance style with roots predating even noh drama. Based on the author's 4-year stay in Hiroshima, this concise yet meticulously researched ebook version covers the history of the art; the kagura stage; schools of performance; synopses of selected plays; movement and choreography; costumes; masks; decorations and special effects; music; and related folk arts. If you think that Japanese theater ends with noh, kabuki, and bunraku...think again! Truly a unique introduction to a woefully neglected facet of Japanese culture.