Kaizu Lion Koma Dance (Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property)

About this event

A lion dance handed down since ancient times in Kaizu, Miiraku-cho, designated as a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property. As one of the New Year events, the Lion Awakening Ceremony is held at Kaizu Shrine every year on January 2, and on the following day, January 3, exorcism rituals are carried out by visiting each household of the shrine's parishioners. The dance features an Otoko-jishi (male lion), Onna-jishi (female lion), and Sarutahiko wearing a tengu mask, who perform three pieces—'Douchu', 'Kyoumai', and 'Miyamegurimai'—to the sounds of drums and flutes. There is also 'Kaguramai' as a special performance. While two-person lion dances exist across various regions, Kaizu no Shishi Koma-mai is characterized by an ancient style where only the lead dancer holding the head performs the dance, while the rear dancer merely holds the hem of the cloak. This cultural property was designated as a Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property in 1972, delisted in 1977, and redesignated as a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property on the same day.

Venue

Kaizu Shrine

1000 Miiraku-cho Kaizu, Goto, Nagasaki 853-0604