Location: Okubo-Ushiroyachi, Showa
Site(s) of performance: Konan Community Center
Date(s): May 4
Designation: City-Designated Intangible Folkloric Cultural Property
Category: Sasara and Horse Dance
The Niiseki Sasara is a kind of lion dance with three lions, each performed by one person. However, it is quite unique in using deer heads instead of lion heads. Blue, green, and red deer jump up and down while beating the drums at their waist. In addition to the three deer, a player of sasara (a wooden percussion instrument played with a rubbing stick) dances with the mask of a distorted male face. Music is played with long drums and Japanese flutes. There are also songs to be sung with the lion dances.
