Ushio Shrine Annual Festival and Bonfire Noh

A ritual Noh performance at "Tenno-san of Katagami"

Ushio Shrine is a historic shrine connected with the ancient IzumoTaisha Grand Shrine in Shimane Prefecture. It is familiar to locals, who call it, "Katagami no Tenno-san." The sophisticated and dignified Noh stage is one of the largest in Sado, and it has one of the longest histories of Takigi (bonfire) Noh performances here. On Tenno Festival Eve, a bonfire Noh performance is dedicated at the Noh stage. Ondeko (demon drumming) of the Katagami and Agata areas are also dedicated. The festival day features ritual dances of miko (shrine maidens) and daikokumai (a celebratory comic dance performed with a mask of daikoku, the god of wealth). A mikoshi (portable shrine) parade also takes place, and an Ondeko group goes from door to door.