Centuries of blessing — sacred lion of the Ryukyus

Kanamaru Shishi is a performing arts group preserving and sharing the sacred lion dance tradition of Tarama Island, located between Miyako and Ishigaki in Okinawa. Their performances trace their roots to the island’s Hachigatsu Odori harvest rituals, where dancers, drummers, and conch players come together in a ceremony that begins and ends with a lion’s appearance. With its deep growl and fierce grace, the lion purifies the space and blesses onlookers with health and good fortune.

Since 2014, the group has brought the spirit of Tarama to audiences across Okinawa and Japan, appearing at seasonal festivals, theatrical events, and international stages such as SOUL BEAT ASIA. A new cultural exchange project launched in 2024 has brought them even closer to their roots, as they collaborate with Tarama Island’s original lion dance community and use a handmade replica of its sacred lion mask.

Beyond the lion dance, the group also performs traditional pieces from Hachigatsu Odori, including Yuunsi, which portrays cheerful woodcutters hauling timber to Shuri Castle, and Bo Odori, a stick dance with piercing cries that reflect Tarama’s unique character. Through all of their work, Kanamaru Shishi carries forward the spirit of the Ryukyus—offering centuries-old expressions of joy, strength, and community to new audiences in Japan and beyond.