Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour 2018

Online Videos

List of video distribution information

1. Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple and 　 Akagi-jinja Shrine
2. Kagurazaka’s Geisha Community and 　 “Strolling Arts”

3. Walk in Kagurazaka
4. Performing in Kagurazaka

1. Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple and Akagi-jinja Shrine

This video travels Bishamonten and Akagi-jinja Shrine, one of the largest stages of Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour. Every year, the special stage at Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple, which is called “Koshakuba”, is set, and various types of storytelling are performed. Also, utilizing the large stairs at the Akagi-jinja Shrine Grounds, traditional Japanese instruments and various music instruments collaborate with each other, and various traditional performance arts play at Kaguraden Stage. The chief priest of the Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple and the Mayor of Shinjuku appear as interviewees in this video. The navigator is a “Koudan” storyteller Kanda Riei, she belongs to Kanda Shori III, the Living National Treasure of Japan. She has appeared in this festival four times since she was Futatsume the second crew performer. She livens up the festival over this video.

Filming cooperation

Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple / Akagi-jinja Shrine / THEGLEE

Performers

Navigator

Kanda Riei (“Koudan” storytelling)

Interview

Shimada Gyoji (Bishamonten Abbot) / Yoshizumi Kenichi (Mayor of Shinjuku)

Past Footage

Kagurazaka Rakuza – Storytellers′ Theater
Fujitaka Rieko (“Chikuzen biwa” Five-stringed Japanese lute)
Takemoto Kyonosuke × Tsuruzawa Kazu (Gidayu-bushi)
Tamagawa Nanafuku x Sawamura Toyoko(Rokyoku)

Traditional Song and Dance Live

“Kodachi”, (Kiba Daisuke/ “Kokyu” Japanese fiddle x Adachi Tomonori/ Electronic keyboard and synthesizer)
Tone (Mitsuka Yukihiko/ “Shakuhachi” bamboo flute x Ono Mihoko/ “Sou” Japanese harp x Soyama Ryoichi/ guitar)

Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQF3L_Cb0DI&t
Releasing: January, 2021
※Recommending to register the channel in advance to prevent from missing out on the Tour.

Navigator

Kanda Riei (“Koudan” storytelling)

Started to learn Koudan under Kanda Shori III in 2001. Promoted to Futatsume, the second crew performer in 2006. Soka-City cultural ambassador since 2011. Performed at colleges in Italy in 2012. Grand Champion of “Yomiuri Futatsume Cup” in 2014. Promoted to shinuchi (full-fledged master) in 2016. Currently, taking a variety of active roles, performing yose (comic chat) both in metro-Tokyo area and all over in Japan, performing on TV, radio, narrating programs, hosting study group, arranging “Koudan” storytelling events, and introducing the Koudan performance to foreigners. Member of Japan Kodan Association and Rakugo Arts Association.

Past Footage

Fujitaka Rieko (“Chikuzen biwa” Five-stringed Japanese lute)

Takemoto Kyonosuke × Tsuruzawa Kazu (Gidayu-bushi)

Tamagawa Nanafuku x Sawamura Toyoko
(Rokyoku)

“Kodachi”, (Kiba Daisuke/ “Kokyu” Japanese fiddle x Adachi Tomonori/ Electronic keyboard and synthesizer)

Tone (Mitsuka Yukihiko/ “Shakuhachi” bamboo flute x Ono Mihoko/ “Sou” Japanese harp x Soyama Ryoichi/ guitar)

2. Kagurazaka’s Geisha Community and “Strolling Arts”

We are focusing on Kagurazaka as Kagai (Geisha district), a rare to be seen town in Tokyo nowadays. We visit Tsuruga Wakasanojo, a Living Treasure of Japan, who lives in Kagurazaka. Tsuruga Isekichi, the first disciple of Wakasanojo who performs in Shinnai Nagashi at the festival presents a short phrase of “Shinnai-bushi” music. And we show the Ozashiki Asobi (Traditional Japanese Parlor Games), which is exclusive in Kagai. Along with the interview with a Geisha, you will be able to see Kenban (a lesson room for Geisha) where you are never allowed to step into. Also, we introduce Johana Hikiyama Festival‹Iori Uta›, which is also popular as Shinnai Nagashi. Please enjoy the scenery of Kagurazaka and young shamisen and Japanese flute players are strolling and performing, who visit this tour from Johana, Nonto-City of Toyama Prefecture. The navigator is a Nagauta shamisen player Tobaya Riseki, a Kagurazaka native. She wrappes up the Evening Live Music Performances at Akagi-jinja Shrine Kagura Hall with the rapid and powerful playing with Mochizuki Harumi Troupe, “Hogaku-Bayashi”, Japanese traditional percussion. Tobaya Riseki, who knows about the area inside out, guides you and makes you know Kagurazaka more.

Filming cooperation

Tsuruga Wakasanojo / Tokyo Kagurazaka Association / THEGLEE

Performers

Navigator

Tobaya Riseki (Nagauta shamisen)

Interview

Tsuruga Isekichi (“Shinnai-bushi” music) / Mayumi (Leader of Tokyo Kagurazaka Geisha Association) / Kotonofuji ("Chanko" sumo wrestler’s food restaurant)

Past Footage

Street Performance – Shinnai Nagashi

Tsuruga Wakasanojo shamisen troupe (“Shinnai-bushi” music)

Experiencing Ozashiki Asobi (Traditional Japanese Parlor Games)

Kagurazaka’s Geishas

Street Performance, Johana Hikiyama Festival (Iori Uta)

Houtetsu Kai (Iori Uta)

Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtpxlLzK1qU&t
Releasing: January, 2021
※Recommending to register the channel in advance to prevent from missing out on the Tour.

Navigator

Tobaya Riseki (Nagauta shamisen)

Raised in Kagurazaka, having experiences as a TV reporter and freelance anchorperson. Both her grandfather and father are the Living Treasure of Japan for Kabuki Nagauta. She is active from performing in abroad to introducing Nagauta shamisen to the public.

Performer

Tsuruga Isekichi (“Shinnai-bushi” music)

She is playing shamisen for the 11th master of Tsuruga School, Tsuruga Wakasanojo, who resides in Kagurazaka, and a Living Treasure of Japan for “Shinnai-bushi” music (Edo Jyoruri). In addition to join more than Wakasanojo’s 30 concerts in abroad, Isekich is active in broad performances, Isekichi is taking an active role as a Jyoruri (singing-storytelling) performer, and she is allowed to be a branch of the Tsuruga School.

Past Footage

Tsuruga Wakasanojo shamisen troupe (“Shinnai-bushi” music)

Kagurazaka’s Geishas

Houtetsu Kai (Iori Uta)

3. Walk in Kagurazaka

We are featuring the games collecting series of stamps at famous old Kagurazaka sightseeing spots during Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour. We introduce sightseeing spots with a guide who knows Kagurazaka well. We also introduce interpreters who support Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour, English volunteer guides, the interview with the leader of Marchant Union, messages from Kondo Ryohei, Condors (dance company) from Session House of the contemporary danc e studio, and a message from Noh performer Kanze Yoshimasa who bases Yarai Noh theater in Kagurazaka. The navigator is a French “Rakugo” storyteller Cyril Coppini. He belongs to Institut français of Tokyo. He is taking an active role as both a navigator and performer manipulating Japanese and French during Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour.

Filming cooperation

Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple / Kosho-ji Temple / Enpuku-ji Temple / Session House
Yarai Noh theater / THEGLEE

Performers

Navigator

Cyril Coppini (“Rakugo” storytelling)

History guide

Yamaguchi Norihiko (Edo Tokyo Guide Group)

Interview

Kondo Ryohei (contemporary dance) / Kanze Yoshimasa (Noh)
Ishii Yokichi (Leader of Kagurazaka Avenue Association)
Yokokura Yasunobu (The chief director of Kagurazaka Merchants Union)
Interpreter: English guide volunteers

Past Footage

Kagurazaka Time Travelling (Kids’ Square)

Kamijo Mitsuru (The Edo marionette group)
Shibuya Gagekidan (Picture cards show)

Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2spuRbe9Lm8&t
Releasing: January, 2021
※Recommending to register the channel in advance to prevent from missing out on the Tour.

Navigator

Cyril Coppini (“Rakugo” storytelling)

Born in the Southern France area, Nice. Studied Japanese and Literature at Institut des langues et civilisations orientales. He belongs to the French Embassy in Japan Institut Francais. He met Hayashiya Someta, a Kamigata Rakugo storyteller. This encounter was the start of his learning “Rakugo” storytelling. He joined Sanyutei Ryuraku, who performs Rakugo in foreign languages, for his performance in France. Coppini devotes himself to performing and introducing Rakugo in French spoken countries. He is taking a variety of active roles in performing Rakugo in Japanese and French bilingual at Asakusa Toyokan Theater and all over in Japan, translating Manga into French, and performing DJ at a club.

History guide

Yamaguchi Norihiko (Edo Tokyo Guide Group)

An O-ed walker and a performing arts writer. He makes efforts on researching the history of common people’s customs in Edo, lecturing, and creating Rakugo. He makes presentations at the cultural lectures. He is a lecturer of historical walking classes in metro Tokyo. Living in Kagurazaka for 40 years.

Performer

Kondo Ryohei (contemporary dance)

He was born in Tokyo, but he spent his young age in South America. He started dancing when he was at Yokohama National University. In 1996, he formed Condors (dance company) at the Session House of the contemporary dance studio. He manages compositions, videos, and choreography of all the performances. He performed not only in Japan, but also does in more than 20 countries in the world. Due to his activities, he received the Asahi Performing Arts Award and the Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts. Even after his major break, he still continues playing active roles as a stage producer of “Ringo Project” and many dance performances for Session House.

Kanze Yoshimasa (Noh play)

Shite-kata (the main actor) of Kanze School. Bases and performs mainly at Yarai Noh theater, he performs at all areas in Japan. He makes many efforts on introducing Noh, instructing Yokyoku (Noh song), and collaborating with other genres, such as Kabuki, classical music. Director of Kanze Kyukokai and The Nohgaku Performaer's Associaton. Important Intangible Cultural Properties.

Illustration

Okame-ya Yuko (Illustrator/ artist)

Her father is Ikehara Seiki, a sculptor, and her grandfather was a calligrapher and taikomochi (Japanese jester). When she was a child, she spent her time at her unique father’s atelier. She is the president of Hello Like Before ltd. She started Mamandrill, a puppet circus.

Past Footage

Kamijo Mitsuru (The Edo marionette group)

Shibuya Gagekidan (Picture cards show)

4. Performing in Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour: the entire area of Kagurazaka becomes a stage, and people and the town unite into one. Viewing the previous years’ live performance, we visit Kagurazaka Avenue, a performance site of “Street Live Performances” from the bottom of the slope to THEGLEE, where is one of the Evening festival sites, and finally to Evening Live Music Performances at Akagi-jinja Shrine Kagura Hall. Also, we are delivering messages from performers, Stage concierge who supports this festival and the priest of Akagi-jinja Shrine to you. All of the messages convey their special feelings and efforts for Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour. The navigator is Tamagawa Nanafuku, a Rokyoku player who has a close relationship with Kagurazaka for her performances at Akagi-jinja Shrine and THEGLEE. She appeared this festival three times before. She guides you with her playing.

Filming cooperation

THEGLEE / Akagi-jinja Shrine

Performers

Navigator

Tamagawa Nanafuku (Rokyoku)

Interview

Pierre Ono (Seshami Street Boys/ Tsugaru shamisen performance)
Sawamura Mami (Rokyoku, shamisen player)
Machi butai concierges
Kazeyama Hideo (Priest of Akagi-jinja Shrine)

Past Footage

Shop Strolling / Traditional Performing Arts Live
Okamura Shintaro (“Jiuta” folk song)
Honjyo Maruhide x Honjyo Hidekuni (“Hauta” music)

Performing Arts Tour and Street Live Performances

Seshami Street Boys (Tsugaru shamisen performance)
Wakajishi-kai (“Hogaku-Bayashi” Japanese traditional percussion)
Oyama Yutaka (Tsugaru shamisen) × Kominato Akihisa (“Shakuhachi” Bamboo flute) ×Otawa Masaki (“Taiko” Japanese drum)
Akiyoshi Sara x Tada Ayako (Japanese flute x 25strings “Koto” Japanese harp)
GMQ (“Shakuhachi” bamboo flute)
Fujiyama Taiju (“Tezuma” Japanese classical magic)

Evening Live Music Performances at Akagi-jinja Shrine Kagura Hall

Tobaya Riseki Troupe (Nagauta shamisen) × Mochizuki Harumi Troupe (“Hogaku-Bayashi” Japanese traditional percussion)

Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCcUA0OrX-g&t
Releasing: January, 2021
※Recommending to register the channel in advance to prevent from missing out on the Tour.

Navigator

Tamagawa Nanafuku (Rokyoku)

Entered Tamagawa Fukutaro II in 1995 as Kyokushi (shamisen player). Started to perform as Rokyokushi (reciter) for master’s recommendation. Produced five presentations of each of “Tettei Tenpou Suiko-den” and “Rokyoku Eiyu-Retsuden” for her master. Changed and announced the name from Mihoko to Nanafuku. She not only produces many Rokyoku events but also creates her own new Rokyoku and corroborates with various genres and players, such as Noh, comedy, Gidayu, Opera.

Performers

Pierre Ono (Seshami Street Boys/Tsugaru shamisen performance)

He obtains the Metro Tokyo Heaven Artist license as Seshami Street Boys, Gajin, Syarari. Player not only in Japan, but also in the U.S.A., Germany, Brazil, Korea, and more than twenty countries. Being demonstrating an energetic role to introduce Tsugaru shamisen and recorded his performance (as “Project Wago,”) for a movie, “Zatoichi the Last”.