Location: Ani-Kayakusa, Kita-Akita City
Site(s) of performance: Yamanokami Shrine and other places in the community
Date(s): August 13 and 16 (no longer practiced at the time of survey in fiscal year 2011)
Designation: City-Designated Intangible Cultural Property
Category: Sasara and Horse Dance
The origin of the Kayakusa Lion Dance goes back at least to the Edo era. It was interrupted in 1833, but was revived in 1891. Despite the name of lion dance, the entire program includes a horse dance and stick dance in addition to the lion dance. The dances are performed in the form of a daimyo’s procession. There used to be a youth association for its performance. It was performed as a prayer for bumper crops and to appease the spirits of the ancestors. Music is played with big drums, small drums, Japanese flutes, and songs.
