The earliest archaeological evidence that is related to performing arts in Japan comes from the Yamato period (300\u2013710 AD). Excavated objects include miniature instruments, masks, and ornaments. Clay figurines, called haniwa<\/i> sculptures, include representations of dancers. The tradition of the earliest dances that are still performed, the kagura<\/i> dances, stems from this period.<\/p>\nThe Creation Myth of Theatre and Dance in Japan<\/h2>\n
The myth of the origin of theatre and dance is from the 8th<\/sup> century AD. According to this myth, the Sun goddess was angered because of her brother\u2019s pranks. She shut herself in a cave and thus darkness fell upon the world. Other gods gathered in front of the cave to beg her to come out. The beautiful maiden Uzume, the goddess of the dawn, began to dance in front of the cave so wildly and powerfully as if she were possessed by spirits. While dancing, she revealed her breast. The gods were so loud in their enjoyment of the performance that the Sun goddess became curious. She decided to peep out to see what was going on. Once she saw the dance, she did not want to return to the cave. Thus the world became light and warm again.<\/p>\n The early history of Japan is characterised by isolation from the outside world. This is understandable because of Japan\u2019s geographic location. The Japanese archipelago is located in the Pacific Ocean and surrounded from its neighbouring countries by the sea. However, there are also periods in Japan\u2019s history when there were strong outside influences from the mainland.<\/p>\n\n\t\tBuddhist Ritual Dances<\/h2>\n