Lion Dance Across the Sea: Himi Lion x Kaohsiung Lion Dance Competition

Date

2023.11.16 ~ 2024.03.10

Location

Main building, 2F

Information

"Lion dance" is a collective memory of Taiwanese people, immediately conjuring up keywords like "festivity, drums, firecrackers, New Year, and festival celebrations." In Japan, "lion dance" is equally popular. Whether it's Taiwan's "lion dance" or Japan's "lion dance," both originate from ancient China. They have moved and evolved with population migration and interaction, traveling south across the Taiwan Strait to Taiwan and north through the Korean Peninsula to Japan, each developing a diverse lion dance culture.

Both Kaohsiung City and Himi City in Toyama Prefecture are port cities with many similarities. In addition to their rich fishing cultures, the "lion dance" that plays a vital role in their festivals and celebrations is a common point between the two cities. The Himi lion dance, deeply rooted in Japanese local folklore, features dramatic confrontations with Tengu spirits. Talking about the "Kaohsiung lion," you can't miss the renowned Song Jiang lion formation and the international "Lion Dance" competition. Although the styles of the "Himi lion" and the "Kaohsiung lion" differ significantly, both have been preserved for hundreds of years within their respective cultural contexts. Let us experience the unique charm of traditional arts of two nations through this cross-sea collaborative performance of lion dances from both cities.