Babagusu Shishi-mai (Lion Dance)
Active
Category Name:Rites and Festivals (folk belief)
This lion dance is performed during the annual "Ohoshi Festival". The dance alternates each year among the 12 communities of Kikuyo Town, Mashiki Town, and Nishihara Village. In Kikuyo Town it has been preserved only in the Babagusu District. This lion dance is dedicated towards a good harvest. With a massive lion's head, the dance is performed by two people in front and behind to the lion's music. The performance includes about 30 people: 7 to 8 maiko, 2 tamatori, 7 to 8 shamisen, 7 to 8 flutes, and 1 taiko.
Municipality
Kikuyo Town
Category
Rites and Festivals (folk belief)
Specific Location
Babagusu, Kikuyo Town
Cultural Property Designation
Kumamoto Prefecture Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property March 27, 2018 (in accordance with the designation of Tsumori Jingu Shrine Ohoshi Festival as the same cultural property)
Performance Date(s)
October 30 when Babagusu Area is in charge of the festival.
Performance Location
Babagusu-ten Shrine
Preservation Society
Babagusu Lion Dance Preservation Society