Haruki Kagura Troupe

Kagura Day: March 7, 2027 (Sun)

Tsuchigumo
(The Earth Spider)

This Kagura masterpiece depicts the perilous battle to the death between the loyal retainers of Minamoto no Raiko (the Four Heavenly Kings) and the monstrous Earth Spider, who attempts to assassinate the bedridden Raiko with poison.

Synopsis

Intent on taking the life of Minamoto no Raiko, a mysterious shadow creeps out of the darkness holding lethal poison. The true identity of the intruder is Tsuchigumo, the gigantic Earth Spider demon who harbors a deep grudge against Raiko! At the last moment, Tsuchigumo’s plot is uncovered. The Earth Spider reveals its true monstrous nature and corners Raiko and his men by wildly releasing torrents of white spider silk. Despite the overwhelming demoniac energy and spider webs closing in from every direction, Raiko’s loyal retainers, the Four Heavenly Kings, draw their swords resolved to fight. This tense, action-packed spectacle builds to a breathtaking fight to the death, where they successfully slay the evil spirit at the risk of their own lives!

Highlights of the Performance

The highlights of Tsuchigumo include the incarnation sequence, which features rapid mask changes (hayagawari), and the dynamic scene in which spider webs made from strips of Japanese washi paper are thrown into the air. The technique of throwing large quantities of silky spider webs, as seen in performances today, is said to have been devised by Yuichi Kongo, the grandmaster of the Kongo School of Noh, in the early Meiji period. The sight of white spider silk arcing through the air creates a visually stunning and brilliant spectacle.

Although the Haruki Kagura Troupe has a small membership with few young members, we will perform with all our heart and strength on the day of the event to leave a lasting impression on our audience. We truly appreciate your warm cheers and support!

Troupe Overview

Troupe Name

Haruki Kagura Troupe

Location

Nakabara, Kitahiroshima Town

Troupe Characteristics

One of the unique characteristics of the Haruki Kagura Troupe is that its members include technical intern trainees from Indonesia. While many troupes face member shortages today, our troupe welcomes not only Japanese members but also overseas trainees working at local companies, who perform as dancers and musicians right alongside us without distinction.

TOUR ROUTE

Schedule

Meet at Hiroshima Station.

A tour escort will be waiting for you at the meeting point.