Location: Yasawagi, Omori-machi, Yokote City
Site(s) of performance: The open space in front of Maeda Community Center and other places in the community
Date(s): August 14 and anytime
Designation: Prefecture-Designated Intangible Folkloric Cultural Property
Category: Shishimai and Bangaku
The Yasawagi Lion Dance was also called Motoki Bangaku. The Kikuchi Family of Motoki (in the former Omori Town) has deep connections with this bangaku. The family keeps the record of the pilgrimage to Ise Shrine and seems to be deeply involved in the expansion of the worship of Ise Shrine in the area. The lion dance here is performed by two people for one lion. It is said that someone learned it in Ise when visiting there for the shrine visit, but it is also said that it was started for the festival of the Haushibetsu Shrine at Mt. Horowa. It has been danced for bumper crops, repulsion of diseases, and the safety of the village.

About Shishimai and Bangaku