Come one, come all to the 109th Kinoshita Circus, complete with lions, elephants and tremendous feats of daring.
The circus, which happens annually and at venues around the country, is being held at the Shoko Center in Hiroshima until July 19.
There will be 10 different acts during the show. The choreographed performances sport intriguing titles such as "Amazing Safari Spectacle" and "Miraculous White Lions." The acts will allow members of the audience to interact with giraffes and zebras, and watch as a lion tamer coordinates a group of the ferocious beasts in the center ring.
Humans then become the stars of the center ring during the "Motorcycle Globe," which features motorcyclists driving at top speeds inside an enclosed metal sphere. Trapeze artists will show their courage when they take to the air in the "Double Flying Trapeze" and other performances include tightropes and feats of strength. One act involves something known as the "Wheel of Death" which requires performers to keep their balance on a mammoth contraption made of metal.
Special seating is available on demand at a slightly higher cost. The circus will move on to Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, for a run of shows from July 30 till Sept. 27.
Kinoshita Circus will be held at Shoko Center in Hiroshima till July 19. Tickets cost, ¥2,500 for adults and ¥1,800 for children, (tickets on the day of the show cost an additional ¥300). Shows run from 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 1 p.m. and 3:40 p.m. on Friday; and from 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:40 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Thursdays are days off. For details, visit www.kinoshita-circus.co.jp.