【Designated by the City：Intangible Folk】Shishi-mai (Lion Dance) of Tomori

Although the origins of the Shishi lion are unknown, the elders say that it has a history of 250 years. According to lore, when epidemics, fires, droughts and others took place in the past, people blamed evil spirits. Villagers all took to the street with sticks 3 shaku long, and went all around within their settlements led by the Shishi lion, while beating stone walls and trees on the roadside. People have come to hold the Shishi-mai every other year since around 1830, as a festival to avert and drive away evil spirits, and wish for good health and a rich harvest, which has been passed down until now.
The Shishi-mai of Tomori starts with a blowing sound of a trumpet shell. Four to five men with gongs and two Arasuguna (those who cheer) perform Makyabudosu (dance in a spiral formation) for about three verses, and move on to the Shishi-mai where they lure the sleeping Shishi and cheer him up. Then again, they dance Makyabudosu for another three verses, and move on to the Shishi-mai. Lastly, they conclude the dance by singing the song for only one verse.