A SONG OF CONTINUITY: KAGURA SECRET SONG AND THE VICENNIAL RENEWAL OF ISE JINGŪ ON THE EVE OF THE MODERN PERIOD

Abstract

During the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji Restoration, Ise Jingū (Ise Grand Shrine) underwent significant changes due to Westernization and modernization, culminating in the Jingū reformation of 1871. However, in the latter part of the Meiji era, there was a resurgence of interest in restoring ancient rituals and preserving the shrine's core principles. This paper focuses on the pivotal 1889 vicennial renewal at Ise Jingū to understand how shrine priests sustained ritual continuity amidst modernization. Specifically, it examines the sacred music (mikagura) and the kagura secret song (hikyoku) introduced during this ceremony. Mikanagi Kiyonao's writings provide valuable insights into the origins and influences of linguistic and ritual elements. As the 63rd Shikinen Sengū reconstruction ritual approaches in 2033, this paper offers insights into Ise Jingū's resilience.