Shirasagi-no-Mai (White Heron Dance) 白鷺の舞

Shirasagi-no-Mai, the White Heron Dance, is a ceremonial parade inaugurated in November 1968 by the Asakusa Tourist Federation to mark the 100th anniversary of the Meiji era (1868-1912) and the 100th year since Edo became Tokyo. The origin of this event is found in the Keian Engi Emaki, a historic picture scroll owned by Sensoji Temple. It includes various rituals to promote peace, and the White Heron Dance is one of them. Warriors, a pole carrier, a feeder, a parasol carrier, white herons, musicians, guardian children, and others all wear traditional clothing from the Heian period (794-1185), as well as heron costumes. They dance while circling the parade route, making for a dazzling sight.