Chinese New Year Lion Dance

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.