Portland Shishimai Kai ポートランド獅子舞会
Available for Performances and Workshops
Mission
The Portland Shishimai Kai is a group dedicated to performing and teaching the traditional celebratory lion dance of Tokyo, the Edo Kotobuki Jishi. We also perform Edo Bayashi (traditional festival music of Tokyo) and the Ryomen Odori (double-masked dance). Through ongoing study under Kyosuke Suzuki of Wakayama Shachu, we aim to preserve the history and culture of this shishimai and to bring good luck to businesses, organizations, and everyone who celebrates in the presence of the shishi. Membership is open to anyone interested in helping to raise awareness and deepen appreciation of this art form. This project is supported in part by the Regional Arts & Cultural Council, Oregon Arts Commission, Japan America Society of Oregon, and Water In The Desert.
About
The Portland Shishimai Kai is founded by Eien Hunter-Ishikawa. Eien started learning Edo Kotobuki Jishi in 2001 under the instruction of Kenny Endo, continuing on to study with Kyosuke Suzuki, a longtime member of Wakayama Shachu (Nationally Designated Important Intangible Cultural Asset of Folk Arts). Since 2011, Eien has coordinated Suzuki sensei’s United States performance and instruction tours, providing translation and general assistance. He has been granted approval to teach all four parts (mai, taiko, shinobue, atarigane) of Wakayama Ryu Edo Kotobuki Jishi.
Photo by Mike Gallan
Photo by Ingrid Valou
Photo by Ingrid Valou
Photo by Ingrid Valou
Photo by Mike Gallan
This project is supported in part by the Regional Arts & Cultural Council, Oregon Arts Commission, Japan America Society of Oregon, Takohachi, and Water In The Desert.
