HOUNEN SHISHI MAI is harvest dances, which were introduced to Ojiya with Chijimi Cloth in the late Edo period (but the fact is unsure). The dances were performed at a festival of Suwa shrine until 1909. Since Nikou shrine and Suwa shrine were enshrined together, the dances have been dedicated to the deities at Nikou shrine on 14th and 15th of July every year.

A mountain god, Tengu (generally a long-nosed goblin but not here), puts up a parasol as a symbol of the sun. A male and a female lion, three young lions dance with a musical accompaniment of songs, Japanese traditional instruments, drums and flutes to pray for a good harvest.

HOUNEN SHISHI MAI is designated as one of Cultural Properties by Ojiya City.

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