Location: Shiraiwa-Donokuchi, Kakunodate-machi, Semboku City
Site(s) of performance: Sui Shrine and other places in the community
Date(s): August 7 and 13–16
Designation: City-Designated Intangible Folkloric Cultural Property
Category: Sasara and Horse Dance
What is characteristic of the lion heads for the sasara dance in this area is that they have large horns. The origin of the sasara dance goes back to the dance performed by Lord Satake’s followers when he moved from Hitachi to Akita in 1602. It is said that the dance brought from Hitachi was merged with lion dances that had been practiced by farmers in the area and became the sasara dance as we know it today.
