Japanese Shinto Ritual Music

Shinto music is ceremonial music for Shinto which is the native religion of Japan. It is a subcategory of music under gagaku called Ancient Song and Dance or old festival music. The most immediately striking theme in the Shinto religion is a great love and reverence for nature, which is reflected in this beautiful, ancient music. Kagura Entertainment of the Gods, is a term that refers to Shinto music. There are two types of Kagura: Mi-Kagura which is the Shinto ritual music played for the imperial/noble courts as well as the main shrines such as Ise, and Sato Kagura which is Shinto ritual music not related to the imperial court. Both forms are represented here. Authentic recordings, digitally re-mastered..