This year, the lion dance came to ACTA Nishinomiya again, so I went to check it out.
Opening
Tamasudare
First up was a “tamasudare” performance. “Akashi Kaikyo Bridge!”
獅子舞の目的は何でしょう？
This is the red gate of “Ebessan.”
And Tsutenkaku!
Lion Dance
Next, the lion dance appeared!
It stood up!
You can touch it while it’s taking a nap.
And to finish: “Good health and protection from illness!”
Big Photo Session
After the performance, it was photo time. Since it was cold this year, it was held indoors.
There was a seriously long line. According to one of the organizers, there were even more people than last year.
Prayers for Business Prosperity
Next, they made the rounds to each shop. A customer at Mister Donut was taking photos.
The woman at Baskin-Robbins was clapping along.
Boutique Ichimasa looked delighted too.
The lion even bit some of the new adults celebrating Coming of Age Day.
It even went right inside the shop.
A customer who was eating soba got bitten too. But they looked happy about it.
It also stopped by “Kaitori Daikichi.”
This Year’s Members
Here are the performers who appeared this time.
本日はアクタ西宮で獅子舞のお仕事🎍
成人式の日で振袖姿の方もちらほら✨
このあとは１３時と１５時🧧
ステージと練り歩きします🖐️ pic.twitter.com/ZQFeASplfh— 虎春（こはる）／志水祐嗣・舞台からくりサーカス・小さな王子の冒険日記 (@koharu513) January 12, 2026
One of the lion dance performers is someone named “虎春（こはる）.”
Finally
ACTA Nishinomiya events are usually about 30 minutes per session, but this one is extra generous at a full hour each time. This year, both the visitors and the shop staff were all smiles again. Please come back next year too!
