Shishi-mai, Japanese Lion Dance

There are not many places in the world where the New Year traditions are so well preserved as in Japan. Here's another example, Shishi-mai, the Japanese lion dance, a performance that can be seen during the first days of the year. One of the places where it is held is in Asakusa, in front of the Amuse Museum, near the Senso-ji Nitenmon Gate.

The lion is handled by a dancer, covered with a green cloak and wearing on the head a big red wooden mask (shishi-gashira). Besides the beauty of the music and dance, like with all of the Japanese traditions, there is also a spiritual meaning: The shishi dance stands for protection against evil spirits and chasing away the bad luck...