A single dancer conjures up a stunning contrast of two images: A young maiden in the Shogun’s castle is transformed by the spirit of the majestic Shishi, a mythical animal. The healthy, sophisticated erotism of a young woman is conveyed by the dancer in the first part. She is noble, sensitive, yet coquettish at times. But, when the spirit of the ferocious Shishi takes over her body, the animal stamps the earth, and swings his mane in the air, celebrating the prosperity and glory of life.

Nakamura Kanzaburo