Japanese Kids React to Getting "Bitten" by Scary Shishi Lion at Tokyo Shrine New Years Day 2014

At the controversial Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on New Years Day 2014, I spent a few hours filming Japanese childrens' reactions to getting bitten on the head by a traditional Lion Head dancer known as "Shishi-gashira". This is a tradition in Asia which is supposed to bring good luck and courage! It was interesting to see the different reactions of kids to having their head gnawed on by a colorful giant wooden lion's head. I compiled one video from their reactions. The older kids and adults all took it in stride and had fun with it, but the reactions of the younger kids varied from cutely stoic to screaming and crying, and kicking as you will see in the video. I can just imagine if we tried this in America! So what do you think about this tradition? A kids worse nightmare? Or a valuable Asian rite of passage? You decide.