100 Selected Lion Dances of Toyamaとやまの獅子舞百選

The "100 Selected Lion Dances of Toyama" was chosen in fiscal year 2005 as the second phase of the "100 Selected Cultural Properties of Toyama" project conducted by the Toyama Prefectural Board of Education. The "100 Selected Cultural Properties of Toyama" targets familiar cultural assets remaining throughout the prefecture, aiming to help residents rediscover the value of their hometown's cultural properties and promote preservation and utilization by local communities and citizens.

Toyama Prefecture boasts one of the highest numbers of lion dance traditions in Japan. The lion dances of Toyama feature both "performing lion dances" and "processional lions," include "centipede lions" and "two-person lions," and have unique characteristics such as the centipede lions having their own distinct performances and the two-person lions performing various lion taming acts. The "100 Selected Lion Dances of Toyama" mainly introduces these features and attractions.

The selection criteria for the 100 lion dances include: 1. High historical and folkloric value; 2. Long-standing familiarity and good preservation and succession by local residents; 3. Distinct regional characteristics representing the area or prefecture; 4. Revival or restoration driven by enthusiasm from local residents or preservation groups; 5. Utilization in local revitalization events, among five total criteria. Since there have been changes in festival dates and other details since selection, visitors should be cautious when planning tourism visits.