Iwanuma Lion Dance

About this event

Designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Chiba Prefecture, the Iwanuma Lion Dance is a historic festival with a tradition spanning more than 400 years in Chosei Village. Held annually in October during the festival of Mimusubi Shrine, the lion dance is dedicated to pray for the safety of parishioners, bountiful harvests, and the warding off of epidemics. It is said that portable shrines (mikoshi) were originally carried, but after an injury occurred, the mikoshi was buried and the lion dance dedication began in its place. The dances performed to festival music include the Hade no Mai, Shitateryousoku no Mai, and the Kame no Mai depicting the movements of a turtle. When the two-person standing lion performs acrobatics like somersaults, enthusiastic applause erupts from the audience. The children's performance of Kokusenya Kassen combines a play inspired by kabuki with the lion dance, setting it apart from lion dances elsewhere in the prefecture. The final performance, Randama no Mai, is a breathtaking highlight where two lions climb a large ladder about 8 meters high, captivating onlookers with acrobatic stunts and synchronized crossing while ascending and descending. Carried by the nostalgic rhythm of festival music echoing from the shrine grove, this festival conveying local folk culture can be enjoyed by the entire family. Many food stalls will also be lined up on the day.

Venue

Mimusubi Shrine

1 Iwanuma, Chosei Village, Chosei District, Chiba 299-4336