When I gave money, the man doing a lion dance pulled a mask off and smiled

Man doing a lion dance in Glodok district in Jakarta — Man doing a lion dance

It was in late January when I visited Jakarta. I don't really feel it when I'm living in Japan, but in Chinatown in the second half of January, before the Chinese New Year, people are often excited to celebrate the New Year. Here in Grodok, Indonesia's largest Chinatown, red lanterns were lined up and hung here and there on the street.

But unfortunately, Chinatown here didn't have that much of a Chinese-style to it. There wasn't much to give the impression of the arrival of the Chinese New Year other than red lanterns. As I walked along, something that gave me a strong impression of China came from the other side. It's a lion dance.

The sound of gongs echoed through the alleyway, so I turned my gaze to see a large lion dancing in front of the shop. It seemed to go around to each shop and prayed for a good New Year's greeting. As I stared, the lion noticed me, for better or for worse, and danced a bit in front of me too.

With this, my fortune this year must be on the rise. However, this was not free of charge. I thought it was only right that I should make an offering, so I gave some money to the man who was wearing a big lion mask. When I did, the man raised his mask and gave me a full smile.

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