Shimo-Misawa Suwa Shrine Lion Dance

About this event

The Lion Dance (Shishimai) of Shimo-Misawa Suwa Shrine is a traditional performing art dedicated at the festival of Suwa Shrine, located at 726 Misawa, Minano Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture. It is said to have originated in the second year of Keian (1649), and records show that during the Bunsei era (early 19th century), it was dedicated to Chichibu Shrine during a drought, after which decorative cords (mizuhiki) were bestowed for its miraculous efficacy. The repertoire includes Heigakari, Warizasara, Okuzasara, Hanawari, Saogakari, Yotsugawari, Danzuku, Shikuwari, Shimotsuma, Hyotanmawashi, and Yoniwayose. In particular, Shikuwari, Shimotsuma, and Hyotanmawashi are known as the "Sanyaku" (three major roles) performed at the climax of the festival. The final piece, Yoniwayose, is a large-scale performance danced by a total of eight people—two pairs of lions and two intermediaries—making it one of the major highlights. It is also said to have once been danced as a prayer for rain. Designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the town, this lion dance is a precious heritage deeply conveying the local culture.

Venue

Suwa Shrine

726 Misawa, Minano-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 369-1411