Azuma Asobi (東遊), “Play of the East,” is one of the oldest known Shintō court rituals, performed since the Nara period (8th century).
It was traditionally held before the sanctuary of Shimo-Kamo in Kyōto as an offering to the tutelary deities of Japan’s eastern provinces.
The ritual combines dance, song, and instrumental music, forming part of the gagaku (court music) tradition still maintained today.
Typical instruments include:
- Hichiriki (double-reed flute)
- Koma-bue (bamboo flute)
- Wagon (six-string zither)
- Shakubyōshi (wooden clappers)
The performance follows an ancient mode called Komo-shōjō, using a pentatonic scale (A–B–C♯–E–F♯).
Ten dancers usually take part, accompanied by a chorus and instrumental ensemble.
The version heard in this video comes from Japan V: Shintō Music — part of the UNESCO Collection of Traditional Music of the World — recorded in 1954 in Tōkyō by Koizumi Fumio.
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