Tokyo Tama Tourist Site

Komiya Shrine, located in Kusabana, Akiruno City, is said to have been built during the Kamakura period. Its temple bell, or *bonsh?*, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Every year on the Autumn Equinox Day, the shrine’s annual festival features a performance of the *Sanbiki Shishimai* (“Three-Lion Dance”). This article introduces the Komiya Shrine Lion Dance.

What is the Komiya Shrine Lion Dance?

The *Shishimai* at Komiya Shrine is said to have been passed down for about 300 years. Records inscribed on the lion head storage box and drum body show that repairs were carried out in Genbun 3 (1738), Bunsei 8 (1825), and Tenp? 6 (1835).

Both the 16 *Shishimai* performances and the 18 *B?tsukai* (“stick-fighting”) routines have been faithfully preserved to this day. On the day of the *Shishimai*, the procession?led by brilliantly decorated paper lanterns?includes the chief priest, the stick performers, the lions, and the *hanagasa* (flower-hat dancers). They parade from the chief priest’s residence to Komiya Shrine in about 30 minutes, then continue to several spots in the local community. As the sound of flutes and drums approaches, residents gather along the roadside to greet the procession.

The Powerful “Gatefront Lion” Dance

The Komiya Shrine *Shishimai* is also known as the “Gatefront Lion.” It features three lions?two male and one female. While lion manes are often made from bird feathers, at Komiya Shrine they are uniquely crafted from *hanshi* (calligraphy practice paper). The thick mane hides the lion’s head entirely and sways dynamically with every movement, creating an overwhelming sense of power.

Accompanying the *Shishimai* is the spirited *B?tsukai* performance. With shouts of “Yaa! Tu-tu-tu!” performers strike long wooden staves together with great force. This region?home to *Tennen Rishin-ryu* martial arts dojos in Ozaki, Ninomiya, and Aburaira?has a strong tradition of martial discipline. It is said that traces of *Tennen Rishin-ryu* forms can still be seen in the *B?tsukai* routines at Komiya Shrine.

The *Shishimai* is usually performed by groups of three boys, from elementary through high school. The *hanagasa* dancers who accompany them, playing the *sasara* (wooden clapper instrument), are girls. Together, they carry on this traditional performing art with youthful energy and devotion.

Event Period	Autumn Equinox Day
Access	From JR ?me Line Fussa Station, take the bus bound for Itsukaichi Station via Hirai, get off at *Monzen*, and walk about 4 minutes. From JR Itsukaichi Line Akigawa Station, take the bus bound for Fussa Station via Setoka, get off at *Monzen*, and walk about 4 minutes.
Website	https://www.city.akiruno.tokyo.jp/0000001489.html This article was brought to you by the editorial team of “Another TOKYO TAMA,” operated by the Tama Tourism Promotion Council, which shares travel information about Akiruno City and the entire Tama region.
For more information about tourism in the Tama area, visit	https://at-tama.tokyo/lang_jp/ Photos: Takako Mogaki