Kashima Odori

The Kashima Odori (Kashima Dance) is an auspicious, traditional Shinto dance. Originally tied to the Kashima Shrine—whose deity was historically associated with pinning down the giant mythological catfish that caused earthquakes—it eventually evolved into a popular, lively performance seen in Edo-period street festivals. When Hokusai tackled the Kashima Odori, he was faced with the challenge of translating the frantic, rhythmic choreography of festival dancers onto a static surface.