Ogatsu-cho Dobayashi Shishimai Misosaku Association - January 2025 Activity Report

With the start of 2025, the Ogatsu-cho Dobayashi Shishimai Misosaku Association was able to begin activities with the Spring Prayer ritual. In January, we performed at the Harukito (Spring Prayer) procession on the 3rd and at the New Year's lottery event at the Ogatsu Tanakoya roadside station on the 12th.

Harukitou(Spring Prayer) (Niiyama Shrine) - January 3, 2025

We gathered at the warehouse we share with Date no Kurofune Taiko, took out the drums, and set them up on a truck equipped with scaffolding, along with red and white curtains, before heading to Niiyama Shrine. After receiving a prayer blessing, we performed the shishimai (lion dance) in the shrine precincts before setting out on our procession.

As in previous years, we first visited the areas around the reconstruction housing in central Ogatsu (Shimo-Ogatsu), then proceeded to the Hara and Misosaku districts. In the afternoon, we continued our procession to Futago housing complex in Kahoku Town, where many former Ogatsu residents have relocated.

It was heartwarming to see people waiting for the lion dance at each stop, and others gathering when they heard the sound of the music. Being able to perform in both the Ogatsu and Futago areas again this year made us feel that the year had truly begun, as we prayed for protection from misfortune and blessings for the year ahead.

Ogatsu Tanakoya New Year's Lottery Event - January 12

We were honored to perform at the New Year's lottery event at the roadside station again this year, praying for a prosperous year for Tanakoya.

That day, a family traveled all the way from Sendai because their child was interested in the lion dance. It was a wonderful surprise and made us incredibly happy. Seeing younger generations take an interest in folk performing arts is truly rewarding.

I've also realized that now that I’m in my forties, I can’t always remain in the position of a learner (though staying humble and dedicated is important). This experience once again made me reflect on how to continue and pass on this tradition.

After the performance, we removed the shishi (lion) heads that had been on display for several years from the Shimo-Ogatsu and Isehata districts and decided that our group would take on their care and management.

We’ve also received permission to use them, though they need some maintenance and repairs, such as fixing the manes, which have become loose over time. The kaya (curtains) from these shishi heads are longer and more transparent than the ones we currently use in Misosaku. Since they resemble the shishi heads used before the earthquake, which were lost in the tsunami, the dancers were delighted.

Looking forward to another great year ahead!


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Original Article(Japanese)
https://note.com/coupieyukki/n/n6e69b11c2169