Location: Yamada, Odate City
Site(s) of performance: Hachiman Shrine, Tōunji, and other places in the community
Date(s): August 13
Designation: City-Designated Intangible Folkloric Cultural Property
Category: Sasara and Horse Dance
The origin of the lion dance of Yamada is believed to go back to the dance performed during the long journey of Lord Satake Yoshinobu from Mito (present-day Ibaraki Prefecture) to Akita when he received a new domain to govern in Akita. The dance was performed to entertain the lord and lift the morale of his suite. The performers and their assistants in our times make a procession with the symbolic flag of the lion dance at the front around the community as they perform the dance and music.
