Sanuki Lion Head

Updated at 2023-05-31

4089

The lion dance has been performed in Japan for thousands of years. Although Kagawa Prefecture is the smallest region in Japan by land area, it has roughly 800 lion dance troupes, the most in Japan. The choreography of the lion dance may differ depending on the shrine. Fall is lion dance season in Kagawa. People in the community organize lion dances as a show of respect to the shrine and to as for peace and a good harvest in the coming year. At present, a growing number of young people are taking up the practice and creating innovative new ways to promote the lion dance culture. Hariko is the primary technique used to make lion heads. Heads made through hariko are lightweight and durable. It is regarded as a traditional craft of Kagawa Prefecture.

Details

Name

Sanuki Lion Head

Giver

Kyoichi Goshonoo, Chairman of the Kagawa Prefectural Assembly

Friendly States

Japan

City

Kagawa Prefecture

Alliance Date: July 18, 2016
Language: Japanese
Area: 1,877 square kilometers
Population: Approx. 910,000 people
Main Industries/Features: Kagawa Prefecture serves as an access point between Honshu to Shikoku, earning it the nickname Shikoku Gateway. The prefecture boasts abundant agricultural products, minimal natural disasters, and distinct seasonal natural landscapes. Kagawa Prefecture also focuses on regional revitalization with an emphasis on supporting industrial transformation and providing financial assistance to companies establishing facilities in the area.