Japanese Hanging Scroll: "Hagoromo" | Scene from a Noh Drama "The Celestial Feather Robe"
 
In the serene beauty of Mio Bay, present-day Shizuoka, a fisherman named Hakuryō finds himself captivated by the tranquil landscape. As he shares the moment with his fellow fishermen, his gaze catches something extraordinary—a stunning robe draped over the branch of a pine tree. Intrigued, he decides to take it home as a treasured find.
But as he admires his new possession, a voice pierces the stillness. A Celestial Maiden appears before him, her sorrowful eyes revealing that the robe belongs to her. Without it, she cannot return to her heavenly realm. In a moment of hesitation, Hakuryō proposes a bargain: if she dances for him, he will return the robe. The Maiden, however, explains that without her robe, she cannot perform. Distrustful, Hakuryō fears she might flee if he returns the robe first. 
“Doubt is for humans,” she chides gently, “in the heavens, there is no deceit.” Ashamed of his skepticism, Hakuryō relinquishes the robe.
Once clad in her celestial garment, the Maiden begins to dance, her movements weaving tales of the enchanting moonlit world she hails from. As she twirls, she scatters treasures upon the earth, a gift of gratitude before ascending gracefully into the sky. She spirals higher and higher, vanishing into the misty embrace of Mt. Fuji and Mt. Ashitaka.
Her words echo in the air: “Doubt is for humans; in the heavens, there is no deceit.” Through her dance, she reveals the pure beauty of the moon, her celestial home. In a captivating narrative sequence, she brings to life both the mystique of her lunar realm and the charm of Mio Bay. 
As she transitions through dances, first performing the slow jo-no-mai, then the lively ha-no-mai, her joy at returning home becomes palpable. Treasures fall like raindrops, accompanied by auspicious words. The final act sees Hakuryō dance in circles, symbolizing the Maiden’s ascent over distant mountain peaks, until she disappears beyond the clouds.
This enchanting tale draws from the legendary “Robe of Feathers,” a story echoed across various regions of Japan and immortalized in collections like the “Tango no kuni fudoki itsubun.” The central theme—of a beautiful maiden whose magical feathered robe is stolen while she bathes—resonates in folklore worldwide.
“Hagoromo” features many performance variations. In the “wagō-no-mai” version, the slow tempo of the “jo-no-mai” transforms into a faster rhythm, while the “ha-no-mai” and parts of the chant may be omitted. In another variation, “iroe saishiki no den,” a brief dance called “iroe” replaces the usual “jo-no-mai,” showcasing a different melodic flair. Each adaptation brings its own unique gestures, costumes, and staging of the feathered robe, ensuring that the allure of this timeless story continues to captivate audiences everywhere.