Location: Ōyanai, Yurihonjo City
Site(s) of performance: Chi Shrine and other places in the community
Date(s): days around August 16
Category: Shishimai and Bangaku
The Chi Shrine, the sacred guardian of the community, shelters the lion head that is used for this shishimai (lion dance). It is even worshiped as one of deities of the shrine. Once a year on August 16, the performance starts with the installation of the big drum, on which the lion head is placed and against which various offerings such as rice, sake, and dried squid are placed. After prayers, the lion head is held high and the performers walk around the shrine three times. They then go to the residence of the principal administrator of the shrine, the Komatsu family, where they perform the shishimai, and then visit other houses in the community. They finally come back to the shrine, go around it three times, and perform the shishimai for the last time.

About Shishimai and Bangaku