"Kashima odori" (Kashima Dance) refers to a nagauta song and associated dance derived from the Kashima Shinto tradition, performed as a prayer for military success. In the "Kodomo asobi nagauta zukushi" series, children act out this ritual dance in miniaturized, playful form, wearing ceremonial attributes associated with the Kashima deity. Kuniyoshi's child figures in such prints have a characteristic roundness and energy, their earnest imitation of adult ritual rendered with affectionate humor.
Kodomo asobi nagauta zukushi / Kashima odori was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳).
Kodomo asobi nagauta zukushi / Kashima odori depicts music, religious, and children.
