Ai Matsuda

My Learning Experience in Japan: Edo Kotobuki Jishi – Wakayama Ryu Lion Dance – Shishimai, is Japanese Lion Dance. Edo Kotobuki Jishi is a Lion Dance of old Tokyo (Edo). Edo Kotobuki Jishi by Wakayama Shachu (school of Wakayama Ryu) has one person as a dancer (Mai), and 3 Ohayashi (Japanese festival music) musicians – taiko (drum) set, shinobue (bamboo flute), and atarigane (handheld gong). In Japan, Shishimai is usually performed during festivities to celebrate the new year, chasing bad spirits away and bringing good luck to families. In recent years, Shishimai has also been performed for ceremonial purposes for communities and businesses. There are many styles of Shishimai throughout Japan and sometimes it is performed by two to three dancers under one Shishigashira (lion head). I have been studying under Kyosuke Suzuki Sensei since 2011. Suzuki Sensei has his own students, and I was a part of his student group called “Kyo no Kai”. Students usually practice one part of a piece for the whole year, then you’ll have an opportunity to participate/perform at the Kyo no Kai student recital. Besides learning and performing all 3 Ohayashi parts, I performed Shishimai 3 times consecutively at the Kyo no Kai student recital and continue to take private lessons from Suzuki Sensei.