Shishimai (Lion Dance) is performed in dedication to the God, by Shinto people who went through the days of having only a vegetarian feast for purification, at the Reitaisai (annual grand festival) of Hakozaki Atago Shrine on April 29th and 30th. The beginning of Shishimai is said to be during the Tembun Era (1530s). The sight of Shishimai dancing to the sound of gracious Japanese flute during the lovely peach-blooming season, which has not changed a bit until today and purifies the people’s heart with the warmth that still remains locally.
Tsutsuko-hiki (Straw Rice-bale Pulling) Festival
Tsutsuko-hiki Festival is held at the Istukushima Shrine, honoring the landlord, Michiharu Matsudaira (Lord of Izumo Province), who saved the people during the mighty famine in Kyoho Period (1716-1735) to pray for a good harvest for the year.
Tsutsuko (straw rice-bale) is made by the shrine parishioners on the previous day, containing festive red rice inside, which will turn into mochi (glutinous rice cake) while being pulled from both directions and is served to visitors by Guuji (Shrine’s Chief Shinto Priest).
With the gallant figure of men pulling the Tsutsuko in the cold wind, this festival has been selected as one of the top 10 strange festivals in Fukushima Prefecture. Why not join the pulling team?
Ranjyo bugaku (Ceremonial Sword Dance)
This is said to have originated in the sword dance that local people dedicated to God praying for the continuous fortune of the war, when Akiie Kitabatake came from Tagajyo Castle and entered the Ryozen Castle in order to construct Kokufu (the capital of the province). This is a traditional sword dance by boys looking gallant in a white hachimaki (Japanese headband), white sash and a hakama (pleated skirt), wielding a sword to the sky with the Taiko (drum) sound.
Also, this features solemn Tamagushi (sacred branch used for pray) dedication with the Gagaku (ancient Japanese court) music and a lovely Shishimai (lion dance) performed by the young little children, as a dedication to God as well.
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