Location: Sawauchi, Kawabe, Yashima-machi, Yurihonjo City
Site(s) of performance: Hisumi Shrine and other places in the community
Date(s): August 13 and December 31
Category: Shishimai and Bangaku
The lion head is believed to be the lion of Hiyoshi Shrine. In the old days, there was also bangaku dance, but there were no masks, clothes, or equipment for bangaku left at the time of the present survey. This shishimai (lion dance) is said to belong to the school of Honkai Bangaku as inherited by the community of Nikai. As of the present survey, the shishimai’s visit to individual houses in the community was practiced on the day of Obon and the end-of-year day for the repulsion of evil spirits, protection of the family, and good harvest of all crops.

About Shishimai and Bangaku