Location: Iwaya-Fumoto, Yurihonjo City
Site(s) of performance: Various places in the community
Date(s): Early January and August 16
Category: Shishimai and Bangaku
The Iwaya-Fumoto Shishimai derived from the tradition of Shishimai-Bangaku, and there used to be not only a shishimai (lion dance) but also bangaku. Today, however, only the jimai (preparatory dance before the lion dance) and shishi-furi (another name for the shishimai, of lion dance) have been passed down to date. The Iwaya-Fumoto Shishimai was started by the priest Zezan-Taikaku, who lived in Chōkokuji Temple (in the former Honjo City), in early modern times. At the new year and Obon, the shishimai go around to visit individual houses to repel evil spirits.

About Shishimai and Bangaku