Tennyo-kagura is a modern theatrical art form.
This art form was birthed in Kumano, Some 600km away west of Tokyo.
The story is based on an old legend specific to this area.
This work is a newly born art form called ''Kagura'' based on this old ethnic legend.
Tennyo-kagura utilizes a mythology which can be found in most oldest book of Japan,
called ''kojiki''
It is said that the grave of oldest god for couples, Izanagi, and goddess Izanami, and their son, Kagudtsuchi resides in Kumano.
There is a large shrine which enshrines these gods in Kumano,
and various ceremonies and events are still held as of this day.
Kumano is considered as a''holy place''in Japan.
Ever since 1000 years ago, many people throughout Japan,
including the Emperor of Japan has visited this holy land.
The path people used to visit this land is called''Kumano-Kodo''(Kumano road)
and this is now officially recognized as one of the world treasures since 2004.
In 2000, Mr. and Mrs. Yabuki (musician) started''Tennyo-za'' (Music studio and theatre studio).
Starting from 2002, actor and director Makoto Tange got together with the Yabuki’s and created a play,
Tennyo-kagura with the local people of Kumano.
The first performance of Tennyo-kagura was performed in 2004.
In 2007, the 4th version is scheduled to be performed in November.