Location: Iseiji, Nikaho City
Site(s) of performance: Enmei-Jizōson Temple
Date(s): July 23 and August 26
Category: Shishimai and Bangaku
This bangaku belongs to the school of Honkai Bangaku and is of the same characteristics as the bangaku performed in the communities around Mt. Chōkai. The main performance is given in the prayer hall of Enmei-Jizōson Temple. A particular kind of music, Kojō-watari, is played from the lion head’s keeper’s house to the temple. Once the lion head enters the prayer hall, the music changes to that of the Divine Dance. The lion dance is an energetic one with its head moving violently and its teeth making a loud sound. The dance numbers are of a good variety, with the Shiki (ritual) Dance, Kami (god) Dance, Bushi (warrior) Dance, Onna (lady) Dance, and Dōke (clown) Dance.

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