Kirinjishi Dance

Kirinjishi dance is uniquely perfomed in the Inaba Region (eastern Tottori Prefecture). The golden long-faced mask, made from wood, forms the head of the lion. It has a horn, a shape simmilar to kirin and is a sacred ancient Chinese animal. Shojo is a leading figure in the performance who wears a red mask and plays the flute, drum or bell. It is said that this tradition began when Mitsunaka Ikeda , the first feudal lord of the Tottori Domain, presented this dance at Inaba Tosho-gu (currently Ouchidani Shrine). This dance has been passed down in Hisasue, Tottori City.