Sasara: A 480-Year Neighborhood Lion Dance

Field notes

Sasara is performed by two male-lion dancers and one female-lion dancer, accompanied by bamboo flute and a drum worn against the abdomen. The published route covers roughly 30 neighborhood stops, with a morning departure from Suzume Shrine, a midday break there, and a final offering at Suzume and Dairoku-ten shrines. The association identifies children around seven to twelve as the usual dancers and is seeking new performers, flute players, and operating volunteers.