On Feburuary 21st in 2015, I watched a Chinese Lion Dance on a special stage set in Minato-koen Park near Shinchi Chinatown, the main venue of Nagasaki Lantern Festival. I felt drawn to these friendly looking, colorful lions. They reminded me of a time when a Japanese traditional lion bit my head and terrified me as a child. I was amazed to see the total difference between Japanese and Chinese lions! As I enjoyed the impressive light sculptures and brilliant lanterns I noticed a boy riding on his father's shoulders and watching lion dance with wonder in his eyes.
- 1 min read
Chinese New Year Lion Dance
Colorful lion dance at lantern festival in Nagasaki

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto
Community writer

What a colorful lion! (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

A special stage for Chinese Lion Dance was set inside Minato-koen Park (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

This lion is completely different from the Japanese traditional one that bit my head when I was a child! (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

A young boy watching the lion dance from his father's shoulders stirred my half-forgotten memories (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

The lion dance climaxed with a loud bang! (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Rows of food stalls standing in front of the lion dance stage (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Chinatown's Suzaku Gate, which faces Minato-koen Park, is said to invite fire (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Perhaps the four lions are tired of dancing? (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

It was close to 10 P.M., the lights-off time! An announcement urged spectators to hurry up and take final photos. (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)
Join the discussion
Radica Sooknarine
10 years ago
I look forward to seeing more of your amazing photos! :)
Thanks a lot! I will continue to love nature.Please look from now on.
Radica Sooknarine
10 years ago
Awesome photos!
Radica-san,Thank you very much!
4 comments in total
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