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