On Sunday, October 14th, Eric and I were invited to go watch dancing at a shrine. The shrine and grounds were really fantastic, but the dancing was amazing! These dances have been past down for a very very long time, over 700 years (I think)! The rituals are protected by the government as an intangible property, and are encouraging people to learn the rituals because kids these days don't want to learn the dances, also they want to spread the word about the dance so more people come to watch and learn about the old tradition. The dances were all about showing the gods powers, and the creation story. We got there at around 1pm and the dances were just starting so we spread a tarp on the ground with cardboard underneath so it was easier to sit on, and we watched the dances, and talked a little among ourselves. It is really nice that Japanese people can laugh a little with their religion, one dance had the dancers dance with little bows and the people watching joked about how they were just like toy bows :) Its not solemn and hush hush. After the dances were over the priest of the shrine came over and wanted to talk to me :) He did all the calligraphy that was around the shrine and the stage himself! Iizawasan had games planned out but because Bill didn't come and didn't bother to tell anyone the group games were kinda ruined, but she improvised and we just played silly games as one big group! At about 3:30 we packed up and got dropped off at the train station and walked home. There is another dance in April so hopefully we can go again!