Seki-no-Mai
世鬼の舞
This performance, also called Arahira-no-Mai (The Dance of Arahira), is not only a representative of the Aki Jū-ni Jingi style of Hiroshima kagura, it is also a highlight. While the character of Arahira is usually a god who has done countless terrible things, it is also said the more terrible things that Arahira does, the more blessings are bestowed upon the land. Arahira holds a large staff known as the taishi-hanjō (lit. "ambition and prosperity") that has the power to turn people young again and bring about peace. Arahira's costume used in this performance was made in 1965. It makes extravagant use of gold and silver threads and cost an impressive four million yen to make. In today's currency, that's over 12 million yen, making this costume one of the most rare and valuable kagura costumes in all of Japan.