Why Do Japanese Parents Want a Monster to Bite Their Kids? (The “Shishimai” Dance)

Last updated: March 20, 2026

The Red-Faced Monster
If you visit Japan during New Year’s or a local festival, you might encounter a terrifying creature. It has a bright red wooden face, golden eyes, clacking teeth, and a body made of green cloth. It dances wildly to the sound of flutes and drums. This is the “Shishimai” (Lion Dance).

A Holy Messenger
While it looks like an angry dragon or monster, it is actually a holy lion. The dancers inside the costume travel from house to house and visit local facilities to perform a dynamic dance. Their job is to bring good fortune, celebrate health, and chase away evil spirits.

The Biting Ritual
The most famous (and hilarious) part of the Shishimai is the Biting. The lion will approach people in the crowd and literally chomp down on their heads with its wooden jaws!

Crying Kids on TV
Foreigners are often shocked to see Japanese parents actively holding their babies up to the monster, begging, “Please bite my child!” The babies, terrified of the giant red face, usually scream and cry at the top of their lungs. These crying babies are a classic, heartwarming staple of local TV news footage!

Eating the Bad Luck
Why do they do this? The bite doesn’t hurt. It is believed that the lion is “eating” the evil spirits and bad luck attached to the person. If a child gets their head bitten by the Shishimai, it guarantees they will grow up healthy and smart. So, if the lion comes for you, don’t run—let it bite you!

Catching Good Luck and Cash (Related Articles)
Getting bitten by a holy lion is just one way to secure good luck in Japan. From catching falling snacks to getting rich on New Year’s Day, there are plenty of other wild and profitable traditions!

1. Raining Snacks and Luck If a dancing lion biting your head isn’t crazy enough, imagine people standing on a roof throwing snacks and rice cakes at you! During a house-building ceremony called Jotoshiki, homeowners throw wrapped Mochi to the crowd to “share the luck” and celebrate their new home.
👉 Is it a competitive sport? Check out: “Why Are People Throwing Rice Cakes from the Roof? (The ‘Mochi-maki’ Tradition)”

Why Are People Throwing Rice Cakes from the Roof? (The “Mochi-maki” Tradition)

2. The New Year’s Bonus The Shishimai dance often happens during New Year’s, which is exactly when Japanese kids get rich! In a tradition called “Otoshidama,” relatives give children cold, hard cash in cute envelopes instead of giving them toys.
👉 Why do you need brand new bills? Check out: “Why Do Japanese Kids Get Rich in January? (The ‘Otoshidama’ Rules)”