The Folk
Summer 2015. The Meiji Jingu Shrine hosted the Centennial Celebration of the Birth of Emperor Meiji. Over a dozen folk performance groups from across Japan showcased powerful dances on a specially illuminated stage. Some groups presented charming dances reminiscent of Bon Odori, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. As I observed the scene, one folk performance group captivated my attention. Eight dancers wore deer masks on their heads, draped themselves in black mantles, wrapped small drums around their waists, and energetically danced to an irregular rhythm. Despite the strange appearance and rhythm, I felt both awe and fear, becoming enchanted by their allure. From that day on, I began researching numerous folk performance groups scattered throughout Japan.
It is said that there are over ten thousand folk performance groups nationwide, though the exact number is unknown. These groups engage in unique prayer rituals born from the local culture, livelihoods, and intertwined history of each region. Rituals such as praying for a bountiful rice harvest, comforting the spirits of the deceased, and seeking safety are expressed in tangible forms and have been practiced for centuries. Many originated between the Heian and Edo periods and have been passed down to the present day. For example, rice has been a crucial food and currency for the Japanese, and festivals related to rice cultivation are held throughout the year, such as rice-planting dances, rice rituals, and rice-field games, offering prayers to the gods in the fields and seeking a prosperous harvest.
What is intriguing is the diversity in costumes and props used during these festivals. The peculiar appearances, reflecting the local culture, often leave the origin and significance of these costumes and props a mystery. The colors of the costumes and the expressions on the masks seem to reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of the people at that time, not striving for a perfect artificial form but capturing the beauty and awe found in nature simultaneously. The seemingly random balance of colors produces dissonance, yet within that chaos, a mysterious order is felt. The enduring appeal of these captivating appearances may stem not only from their antique charm but also from the longing for mysterious objects infused with genuine faith.
I visited 49 festivals across Japan, setting up a backdrop and two lights on-site to capture images. Using a black backdrop and adopting conditions similar to a fashion shoot, I focused solely on costumes and dances. Exploring their forms from the perspective of folk beliefs, I aimed to visualize the ancient spirituality.
The shooting time often had to be accommodated within the dancers' breaks, lasting only 2 to 5 minutes in many cases. As opportunities for indoor shoots were limited, and most were outdoor, the challenge of dealing with light and wind became a memorable part of the process. This project is ongoing, and I have captured images of up to 68 groups so far.