Last additions - Shirasagi-no-Mai White Heron Dance 白鷺の舞 |
![Filename=si181-P1040691.jpg
Filesize=39KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si181-P1040691.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si181-P1040691.jpg)
White heron dancer on a mural at Asakusa Station.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si179-DSC00103.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si179-DSC00103.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si179-DSC00103.jpg)
The dancers leave Sensoji.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si180-DSC00108.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si180-DSC00108.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si180-DSC00108.jpg)
Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si178-P1040678.jpg
Filesize=35KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si178-P1040678.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si178-P1040678.jpg)
Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si177-P1040676.jpg
Filesize=38KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si177-P1040676.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si177-P1040676.jpg)
These guardian children headed the procession. They come from Sensoji Kindergarten. 守護童子Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si176-DSC00102.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si176-DSC00102.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si176-DSC00102.jpg)
The white heron dancers bow before Sensoji temple before leaving.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si175-P1040671.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si175-P1040671.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si175-P1040671.jpg)
White herons are a common sight in Japan. They do like to feed on rice fields.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si174-P1040656.jpg
Filesize=23KiB
Dimensions=300x400
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si174-P1040656.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si174-P1040656.jpg)
Tourist posing with a dancer after the dance.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si173-P1040650.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=300x400
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si173-P1040650.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si173-P1040650.jpg)
A short break after the dance.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si171-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_36_53-PM.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=400x258
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si171-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_36_53-PM.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si171-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_36_53-PM.jpg)
Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si172-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_37_48-PM.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=400x213
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si172-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_37_48-PM.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si172-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_37_48-PM.jpg)
Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si170-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_36_05-PM.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=400x245
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si170-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_36_05-PM.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si170-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_36_05-PM.jpg)
Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si169-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_34_28-PM.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=400x257
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si169-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_34_28-PM.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si169-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_34_28-PM.jpg)
White Heron Dance, AsakusaApr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si168-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_33_53-PM.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=400x266
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si168-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_33_53-PM.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si168-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_33_53-PM.jpg)
Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si167-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_27_06-PM.jpg
Filesize=26KiB
Dimensions=400x245
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si167-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_27_06-PM.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si167-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_27_06-PM.jpg)
Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si166-DSC00094.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si166-DSC00094.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si166-DSC00094.jpg)
Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si165-DSC00095.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si165-DSC00095.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si165-DSC00095.jpg)
White Heron Dance, AsakusaApr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si164-P1040649.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si164-P1040649.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si164-P1040649.jpg)
White heron dance in front of Sensoji temple. Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si163-DSC00084.jpg
Filesize=26KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si163-DSC00084.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si163-DSC00084.jpg)
So elegant.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si162-DSC00083.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si162-DSC00083.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si162-DSC00083.jpg)
A gasp of amazement from spectators could be heard when the dancers spread their wings.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si161-DSC00080.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si161-DSC00080.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si161-DSC00080.jpg)
Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si160-DSC00079.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si160-DSC00079.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si160-DSC00079.jpg)
Passing under Hozomon Gate in front of Sensoji temple. Gotta watch their head.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si159-DSC00073.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si159-DSC00073.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si159-DSC00073.jpg)
Tourists make way for the white heron dancers along Nakamise mall in Asakusa.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si157a-shirasagimai.youtube
Filesize=0KiB
Dimensions=0x0
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si157a-shirasagimai.youtube](images/thumbs/thumb_movie.png)
Be sure to see my video of the White Heron Dance held on April 13, 2014.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si158-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_40_30-PM.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=400x276
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si158-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_40_30-PM.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si158-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_40_30-PM.jpg)
For their third and last performance at 3:30 pm on April 13, 2014, they they walked/danced through the Nakamise mall leading to Sensoji temple in Asakusa. The man is the baton twirler, followed by the bird feeder and the dancers.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si157-DSC00062.jpg
Filesize=21KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si157-DSC00062.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si157-DSC00062.jpg)
Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si156-DSC00049.jpg
Filesize=22KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si156-DSC00049.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si156-DSC00049.jpg)
Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si155-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_53_19-PM.jpg
Filesize=26KiB
Dimensions=400x295
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si155-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_53_19-PM.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si155-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_53_19-PM.jpg)
The local Asakusa tourist association resurrected the dance in 1968. A picture scroll showed that it was performed in 1652 at Sensoji.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si152-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_44_24-PM.jpg
Filesize=22KiB
Dimensions=400x270
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si152-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_44_24-PM.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si152-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_44_24-PM.jpg)
There are eight white heron dancers. The dance originated at Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto about 1,000 years ago to ward off epidemics and pray for good harvests.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si153-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_46_01-PM.jpg
Filesize=23KiB
Dimensions=400x238
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si153-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_46_01-PM.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si153-Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-7_46_01-PM.jpg)
Bird feeder on the left sprinkled some colorful pieces of paper as bird feed. They dance to music played by 19 musicians.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si150-P1040640.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si150-P1040640.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si150-P1040640.jpg)
White Heron Dance (Shirasagi-no-Mai) was performed three times in Asakusa on April 13, 2014. Their second performance was held here on the roof of Matsuya Dept. Store at 2:30 pm.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si151-P1040636.jpg
Filesize=20KiB
Dimensions=300x400
Date added=Apr 16, 2014 si151-P1040636.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si151-P1040636.jpg)
The Shirasagi-no-Mai White Heron Dance is performed in Asakusa on the second Sunday of April, mid-May for the Sanja Matsuri, and on Nov. 3.Apr 16, 2014
|
|
![Filename=si199-shirasagimai.youtube
Filesize=0KiB
Dimensions=0x0
Date added=Jun 06, 2010 si199-shirasagimai.youtube](images/thumbs/thumb_movie.png)
I also saw the White Heron Dance in April 2010. It was slightly different. My YouTube video of the White Heron Dance in April 2010.Jun 06, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si279-20100411_8684.jpg
Filesize=37KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si279-20100411_8684.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si279-20100411_8684.jpg)
Clearing the way down Nakamise. On the way back, they turned right into another temple and did not go all the way down Nakamise. Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si278-20100411_8680.jpg
Filesize=33KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si278-20100411_8680.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si278-20100411_8680.jpg)
Information on the date/time when the dance is held is posted at e-asakusa.jp. Note that the time may vary. Last year they started at 3:30 pm instead of 2:30 pm this year.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
|
![Filename=si276-20100411_8677.jpg
Filesize=33KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si276-20100411_8677.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si276-20100411_8677.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si275-20100411_8672.jpg
Filesize=36KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si275-20100411_8672.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si275-20100411_8672.jpg)
The baton twirler does his thing as the crowd gathers around.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si272-20100411_8666.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si272-20100411_8666.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si272-20100411_8666.jpg)
Each shirasagi dancer bowed to Sensoji (being renovated) before heading back to Nakamise.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si273-20100411_8668.jpg
Filesize=33KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si273-20100411_8668.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si273-20100411_8668.jpg)
Shirasagi dancers proceeding back to Nakamise.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si274-20100411_8671.jpg
Filesize=39KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si274-20100411_8671.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si274-20100411_8671.jpg)
Shirasagi dancers along Nakamise after passing through Hozomon Gate.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si271-20100411_8664.jpg
Filesize=26KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si271-20100411_8664.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si271-20100411_8664.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si269-20100411_8650.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si269-20100411_8650.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si269-20100411_8650.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si270-20100411_8659.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si270-20100411_8659.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si270-20100411_8659.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si268-20100411_8648.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si268-20100411_8648.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si268-20100411_8648.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si267-20100411_8646.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si267-20100411_8646.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si267-20100411_8646.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si265-20100411_8639.jpg
Filesize=26KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si265-20100411_8639.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si265-20100411_8639.jpg)
Looks like the bird feeder still had something left in her food box.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si264-20100411_8637.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si264-20100411_8637.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si264-20100411_8637.jpg)
After the dance, they proceeded back to where they came from.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si266-20100411_8645.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si266-20100411_8645.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si266-20100411_8645.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si263-20100411_8629.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si263-20100411_8629.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si263-20100411_8629.jpg)
During a brief break, people gawk at the dancers. This was when I talked to one of them.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si262-20100411_8697.jpg
Filesize=22KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si262-20100411_8697.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si262-20100411_8697.jpg)
This is what the "bird feed" was. Colored pieces of paper with the kanji characters for "good fortune" and "long life." No wonder people were rushing to pick these up. Well, I guess I'll live a long and prosperous life..Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si260-20100411_8626.jpg
Filesize=32KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si260-20100411_8626.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si260-20100411_8626.jpg)
At the end of the dance, they bowed.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si261-20100411_8627.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si261-20100411_8627.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si261-20100411_8627.jpg)
Then there was a rush of people to pick up the "bird feed" which were small colored pieces of paper. I didn't know what was going on, but I rushed in too and grabbed two of the pieces of paper.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si259-20100411_8625.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si259-20100411_8625.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si259-20100411_8625.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si257-20100411_8620.jpg
Filesize=19KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si257-20100411_8620.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si257-20100411_8620.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si258-20100411_8622.jpg
Filesize=23KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si258-20100411_8622.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si258-20100411_8622.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si256-20100411_8617.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si256-20100411_8617.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si256-20100411_8617.jpg)
I guess the birds are happy with full stomachs.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
|
![Filename=si253-20100411_8611.jpg
Filesize=33KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si253-20100411_8611.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si253-20100411_8611.jpg)
The bird feeder sprinkles more food for the birds.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si254-20100411_8614.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si254-20100411_8614.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si254-20100411_8614.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si252-20100411_8608.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si252-20100411_8608.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si252-20100411_8608.jpg)
It looks like they are feeding.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si249-20100411_8597.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si249-20100411_8597.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si249-20100411_8597.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si251-20100411_8602.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si251-20100411_8602.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si251-20100411_8602.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si250-20100411_8601.jpg
Filesize=20KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si250-20100411_8601.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si250-20100411_8601.jpg)
Close-up of the heron head.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si246-20100411_8582.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si246-20100411_8582.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si246-20100411_8582.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si248-20100411_8604.jpg
Filesize=23KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si248-20100411_8604.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si248-20100411_8604.jpg)
Fingers fastened to the wings control the wings.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si247-20100411_8586.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si247-20100411_8586.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si247-20100411_8586.jpg)
Shirasagi dancers spreading their wings.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si245-20100411_8580.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si245-20100411_8580.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si245-20100411_8580.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si244-20100411_8592.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si244-20100411_8592.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si244-20100411_8592.jpg)
Another shirasagi shadow.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si243-20100411_8576.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si243-20100411_8576.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si243-20100411_8576.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si242-20100411_8573.jpg
Filesize=33KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si242-20100411_8573.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si242-20100411_8573.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si241-20100411_8569.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si241-20100411_8569.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si241-20100411_8569.jpg)
Most of the dancers seemed to be high school age, although I noticed a few older women as well.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si238-20100411_8555.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si238-20100411_8555.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si238-20100411_8555.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si239-20100411_8558.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si239-20100411_8558.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si239-20100411_8558.jpg)
Shirasagi-no-Mai White Heron Dance at Asakusa.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si240-20100411_8563.jpg
Filesize=32KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si240-20100411_8563.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si240-20100411_8563.jpg)
I was told that they practice the dance only a few days before the performance. Apparently, it's not that difficult to master. It also seems that different dancers do it each time.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si237-20100411_8552.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si237-20100411_8552.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si237-20100411_8552.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si234-20100411_8533.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si234-20100411_8533.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si234-20100411_8533.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si236-20100411_8545.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si236-20100411_8545.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si236-20100411_8545.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si235-20100411_8537.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si235-20100411_8537.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si235-20100411_8537.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si233-20100411_8531.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si233-20100411_8531.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si233-20100411_8531.jpg)
White Heron dancers were silent and sang nothing as the musicians played.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si229-20100411_8518.jpg
Filesize=32KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si229-20100411_8518.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si229-20100411_8518.jpg)
The dance started with the baton twirler running around the dancers.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si232-20100411_8526.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si232-20100411_8526.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si232-20100411_8526.jpg)
Immediately, I noticed the great shadows the dancers were casting. Proof of how good the costumes are made and how well they are posed.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si230-20100411_8520.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si230-20100411_8520.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si230-20100411_8520.jpg)
The bird feeder then sprinkled small pieces of colored paper above the white heron dancers.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si231-20100411_8523.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si231-20100411_8523.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si231-20100411_8523.jpg)
The shirasagi dancers then spread their wings and started to dance.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si227-20100411_8516.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si227-20100411_8516.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si227-20100411_8516.jpg)
At around 2:30 pm, they started dancing.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si228-20100411_8515.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si228-20100411_8515.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si228-20100411_8515.jpg)
The eight shirasagi dancers formed two groups of four with the umbrella holder between the two groups.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si225-20100411_8517.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si225-20100411_8517.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si225-20100411_8517.jpg)
There are also three warriors who never did anything. 武人Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si226-20100411_8512.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si226-20100411_8512.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si226-20100411_8512.jpg)
The White Heron Dance originated in Kyoto over 1,100 years ago to purge the city of an epidemic.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si222-20100411_8505.jpg
Filesize=40KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si222-20100411_8505.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si222-20100411_8505.jpg)
These guardian children lead the way. They come from Sensoji Kindergarten. 守護童子Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si224-20100411_8510.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si224-20100411_8510.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si224-20100411_8510.jpg)
Bird feeder and umbrella holder. 餌まき,Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si223-20100411_8508.jpg
Filesize=37KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si223-20100411_8508.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si223-20100411_8508.jpg)
They walked to the area in front of the 5-story pagoda. Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si221-20100411_8502.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si221-20100411_8502.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si221-20100411_8502.jpg)
The contingent pass through Hozomon Gate which is right in front of Sensoji temple.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si220-20100411_8465.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si220-20100411_8465.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si220-20100411_8465.jpg)
They head toward Sensoji temple as the crowd make way for them along Nakamise.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
|
![Filename=si218-20100411_8485.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si218-20100411_8485.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si218-20100411_8485.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si217-20100411_8482.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si217-20100411_8482.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si217-20100411_8482.jpg)
If you look at their white heron costume, you can see that it's quite ingenius, the way it functions and the way it looks.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si216-20100411_8479.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si216-20100411_8479.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si216-20100411_8479.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si215-20100411_8477.jpg
Filesize=32KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si215-20100411_8477.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si215-20100411_8477.jpg)
Once in a while, the shirasagi dancers spread their wings and do a few dance steps along the narrow Nakamise shopping arcade.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si213-20100411_8469.jpg
Filesize=32KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si213-20100411_8469.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si213-20100411_8469.jpg)
Toward the end of the procession is a group of musicians, 19 of them (楽人). Some of them walk while the others ride a float.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si214-20100411_8500.jpg
Filesize=34KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si214-20100411_8500.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si214-20100411_8500.jpg)
Musicians float. They are playing music all the while.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si212-20100411_8455.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si212-20100411_8455.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si212-20100411_8455.jpg)
This is the umbrella holder (ogasa 大傘). He doesn't really shade anyone.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si211-20100411_8432.jpg
Filesize=17KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si211-20100411_8432.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si211-20100411_8432.jpg)
Their costume is quite elegant whichever way you look at it. Shirasagi-no-Mai White Heron Dance, Asakusa.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si210-20100411_8414.jpg
Filesize=17KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si210-20100411_8414.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si210-20100411_8414.jpg)
Shirasagi-no-Mai dancer at Asakusa.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si209-20100411_8437.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si209-20100411_8437.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si209-20100411_8437.jpg)
I'm not sure how they keep the tall bird head and neck on their heads.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si208-20100411_8451.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si208-20100411_8451.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si208-20100411_8451.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si207-20100411_8403.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si207-20100411_8403.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si207-20100411_8403.jpg)
Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si206-20100411_8397.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si206-20100411_8397.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si206-20100411_8397.jpg)
The Shirasagi-no-Mai white heron dancers pass through Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si205-20100411_8391.jpg
Filesize=26KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si205-20100411_8391.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si205-20100411_8391.jpg)
The bird feeder (esa-maki 餌まき) holds a nice box containing pieces of colored paper.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si204-20100411_8386.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si204-20100411_8386.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si204-20100411_8386.jpg)
There are various characters in the White Heron Dance contingent. This is the baton twirler (bo-furi 棒ふり) in orange pants followed by the bird feeder.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si203-20100411_8375.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si203-20100411_8375.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si203-20100411_8375.jpg)
The procession, headed by chigo children, pass through Kaminarimon Gate.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si200-20100411_8366.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si200-20100411_8366.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si200-20100411_8366.jpg)
The Shirasagi-no-Mai White Heron Dance is performed in Asakusa on the second Sunday of April and on Nov. 3. On April 11, 2010, I found them on the main road at around 2 pm. The mans holds a banner reading "Shirasagi-no-Mai."Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si202-20100411_8379.jpg
Filesize=32KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si202-20100411_8379.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si202-20100411_8379.jpg)
The shirasagi white heron dancers. There are eight of them. They were to perform the dance at 2:30 pm in front of Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon) temple.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
![Filename=si201-20100411_8368.jpg
Filesize=34KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Apr 17, 2010 si201-20100411_8368.jpg](albums/tokyo/asakusa/shirasagi/thumb_si201-20100411_8368.jpg)
This is on the main road in front of Kaminarimon Gate (giant red paper lantern). The procession occupied one lane of road as they headed for Kaminarimon Gate.Apr 17, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|