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IN celebration of 60 years of Ja- pan-Malta diplomatic relations, the Embassy of Japan in Malta, together with the Hamada City Local Government of Shimane Prefecture, is proud to present a rare and resplendent perfor- mance: The Sacred Dance of Iwa- mi Kagura: Dynamic Tradition of Japan. On the hallowed stage of Teatru Manoel, ancient rhythms will awaken once more, and the veil between worlds will thin. This dazzling expression of myth, music, and movement invites the people of Malta to witness a tradition both sacred and celebratory, an epic of gods, demons, and divine play told through ritual. Iwami Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art com- posed of dance, music and theat- rical storytelling from the Iwami region, in western Shimane Pre- fecture in Japan. Kagura originat- ed as a religious ritual and a sa- cred offering to the gods of Shinto at shrines. Each ritual also tells a story, usually from Japanese my- thology. It is more than a performance, it is a rite, a revelation, a resounding echo of a culture alive. Rooted in Shinto ritual yet evolved from a sacred ritual into a dynamic tra- dition, Kagura channels divine presence through hypnotic chore- ography, thunderous drums, and the swirling brilliance of ornate, handwoven costumes. This is myth in motion, a living epic en- acted not on the page, but in the body, sound, and soul of a people. Recognized in 2019 as the Cul- tural Property of Japan Heritage, the Iwami Kagura troupe of Ham- ada City brings to Malta three legendary tales: HACHIMAN, the noble god of war and protec- tor of villages, who stands vigilant against chaos and evil; EBISU, the cheerful, native god of fishermen and fortune, who blesses com- merce, laughter, and daily life; OROCHI, the fearsome eight-headed serpent, vanquished in a tale of divine courage by the hero Susanoo. In these tales, performed with fierce energy, theatrical flourish, and moments of humor, we find an artistry that bridges the archa- ic and the modern. Each story is a mirror reflecting our collective yearning for meaning, courage, and celebration. Much like Malta's festa, the Iwa- mi Kagura is more than a perfor- mance, it is a living expression of identity, rooted in place, belief, and belonging. In both traditions, ritual becomes play, and play be- comes a profound act of cultural continuity, binding generations through shared spectacle. These two island cultures, though dis- tant, share a deep kinship: a rever- ence for ritual, a joy in pageantry, and a conviction that identity is best preserved not through si- lence, but through song, drum, and dance. This event is more than cultural exchange, it is cultural resonance. A chance to recognize the mythic undercurrents that flow through our own histories. A reminder that across oceans and genera- tions, what binds us is our need to gather, to tell stories, and to remember who we are. The Em- bassy of Japan warmly welcomes all to experience the sacred dance of Iwami Kagura. Let the drums echo across our islands. Let the stories rise. Let celebration become communion. 2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 JULY 2025 CULTURE The Sacred Dance of Iwami Kagura Celebrating 60 years of Japan Malta diplomatic relations File photo Where to buy tickets? Tickets are available here: https://teatrumanoel.mt/ event/the-sacred-dance- of-iwami- kagura-dynam- ic-tradition-of-japan/ Dynamic tradition of Japan