Traditional dance performed at Nikko temple

A traditional dance was performed on Friday at an ancient temple in Nikko City, northeast of Tokyo.

Rin-noji temple is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event to pray for long life and peace has been held there every May for more than 1,000 years. The dance took place in the main building which is currently being restored.

2 monks appeared on the stage carrying short swords and began dancing slowly to the chanting of sutras.
They wore white cloths shaped like samurai helmets on their heads.

A Rin-noji official says this type of event used to be held at major temples all over Japan.

But he adds that it is now only performed at Rin-noji and Moutsu temple in Iwate Prefecture, northern Japan, due to a shortage of dancers who are trained in this style.