Location: Hirane, Kami-Kawauchi, Chōkai-machi, Yuri-Honjo City
Site(s) of performance: Hachiman Shrine and other places in the community
Date(s): May 15 and August 15
Designation: State-Designated Important Intangible Folkloric Cultural Property
Category: Shishimai and Bangaku
The name of Honkai Bangaku comes from the name of the priest Honkai, a shugen (Buddhist ascetic) of the 17th century who belonged to a temple, which was affiliated with Sampō-in in Kyoto in the Daigo Temple group. He taught bangaku in the villages in the distant parts of the Chōkai area and died in Arasawa (in the former Yashima Town). Honkai Bangaku consists of shishimai (lion dances) and bangaku with some religious (shugendo) gestures. Dancers and musicians take part in the performance. The script includes 9 numbers.

About Shishimai and Bangaku