POILUNA

  So, a friend of mine had a baby boy back in March. His name? Léon. Now, maybe it’s just me, but whenever I hear “Léon,” I can’t help but think of a lion. Maybe it’s the Latin root Leo , or the dog breed “Leonberger” that looks like it could wrestle a bear with a hug. Either way, it’s a strong name! Being from Tokyo — that eastern edge of the world where the sun first rises — lions make me think of something a little different: the Shishimai , or Lion Dance. If you’re not familiar, the Shishimai is a traditional Japanese dance where performers wear a lion head (often made from carved wood and decorated in bold red and gold) and dance to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune. You’ll see it at New Year’s festivals, temple fairs, and sometimes at small town events where people still love a good parade. In some versions of the dance, a Tengu — a long-nosed, mythical mountain creature — shows up too. The Tengu often acts like a guide or even a mischievous opponent to the lion....