《Feature》
Shimojo Kabuki, a traditional performing art which has been practiced for nearly 300 years, is designated as one of the intangible folk cultural assets of the Shimojo village.

According to the old records, it originated from a performance given in Yoshioka by actors based in Nagoya area. It was the most commonly practiced during Tempo and Ansei era (1830-60) in the Edo period.

In the Meiji period, more specialised techniques were brought from Nagoya and Shimojo Kabuki was performed competitively among young amateurs in many districts within the village. It was acclaimed by other neighbouring villages and towns to which they were invited to perform.

Shimojo Kabuki Preservation Committee, established in 1971, makes a constant effort in handing down this cultural heritage and training the inheritors by supporting the Shimojo Kabuki Society for junior high school students, for example.

[An intangible folk cultural asset designated by Shimojo Village]
Photo by: Shimojo Village Office.
Translated by: Moe Shoij, reviewed by Marina Izumi