Japanese lion dance has come here

 Do you know what this is?  It's a Shishimai performance.　The Shishimai is a traditional cultural dance known as the "Lion Dance" in which the performer wears a lion mask at shrines and other venues, including private homes, throughout Japan to ward off evil and bring good luck. Shishimai performers always dance to the lively accompaniment of traditional Japanese musical instruments.　This accompaniment can be heard even from a distance.

The Shishimai troupe visits the regular customer's houses, including me, in March every year. They sent me a postcard informing me of the date of the visit. When the Shishimai troupe came, I handed a donation (money) before the performance. Then, they did a ritual to pray for safety at the entrance and performed Shishimai dance. Finally, the lion head made a gesture of biting my head to ward off evil spirits. I think the length and content of the performance depends on the amount of the donation.  I heard from my friend or acquaintance that it is normal for those who want their young children and grandchildren to see the Shishimai dance to donate more.

This is a scene from the Shishimai performance for a dedication at the local shrine. In this performance, a lion costume is operated by two performers and another performer wearing the Tengu mask inspires the Shishimai.  Tengu, by the way, is a kind of legendary creature with a long nose found in Shinto beliefs (the religion that originated in Japan).

 In fact, this troupe performs Shishimai at this shrine every year. This troupe will go on a performance tour to the residences of regular customers in this city, starting from this shrine.

 I posted a new blog about this Shishimai in March 2025. Please have a look at the following blog if you like.

Japanese lion dance has come here again