Thank you to Toyosu Senkyakubanrai and everyone who made this event happen. I had a fantastic two days!

#阿波踊り #awaodori #dance #japan #travel #japaneseevent
Performers: Shonan Nagisaren, Kikusuiren, Tokyo Ebisuren and Tenkeiren

This channel introduces the traditional Japanese dance and music of 'Awa Odori,' a tradition that has been passed down for over 400 years and is performed in streets, squares, and stages. Dancers belong to teams called 'ren,' each of which entertains the audience with unique performances and costumes. The dance comprises various parts, including the 'men's dance,' 'women's dance,' and 'children's dance.’

In the men's dance, participants wear 'yukata' or 'happi' and perform powerful movements with lowered hips. Props such as fans and lanterns are commonly used. Despite its name, women also take part in this segment.

The women's dance involves wearing an 'ami-gasa' woven hat, a yukata, and tying a 'susoyoke' around the lower body to lift the yukata. Despite wearing cumbersome 'geta' sandals, they mesmerize the audience with graceful movements and group beauty while maintaining a smile.

Children's dance teams typically consist of children up to sixth grade, with older students transitioning to the men's or women's dance. Additionally, there is the 'yakko dance,' where performers manipulate humanoid kites.

Awa Odori is accompanied by live music played by musicians known as 'narimono.' The main instruments include the 'kane,' which acts as a conductor, along with the 'oodaiko,' 'shime-daiko,' 'shinobue,' and 'shamisen.' As the quality of the performance greatly affects the visual appeal of the dance, music plays a crucial role.

Glossary:

Yukata: A casual summer kimono made of lightweight fabric designed to absorb sweat and allow air circulation.

Happi: A traditional Japanese garment worn by festival participants or craftsmen.

Ami-gasa: A traditional Japanese hat worn to protect against rain, snow, and direct sunlight.

Susoyoke: A type of undergarment worn with a kimono, used to prevent kimono hems from getting damaged.

Geta: Traditional Japanese wooden footwear, characterized by a flat rectangular wooden base with two teeth on the bottom surface and 'hanao' straps passing between the big toe and second toe. They produce a distinctive 'clack-clack' sound when walking.

Takahari Lantern: This is a lantern with the name of the dance group (ren) written on it. It has a large cylindrical shape resembling a jujube fruit (natsume), and it is hung on a long pole with two arms. Positioned at the front of the group, it stands out and helps members of the group navigate through crowded areas or allows spectators to easily spot their favorite dance group. The lantern itself is made of Japanese paper, bamboo strips, and wire, and it is also referred to as ‘Takahari.'

Kane (Gong): A flat, circular percussion instrument made of copper or a copper alloy. It is struck with a stick tipped with deer antler, producing resonant tones when struck on the plate. The kane not only directs other instruments but also serves as a conductor, guiding the performance of the entire Awa Odori ensemble.

Oodaiko (Large Drum): A sizable drum that emanates deep, resonating tones reminiscent of the heartbeat. Its powerful sound enhances the dynamism and intensity of the dance, filling the performance space with energy.

Shimedaiko (Small Drum): A smaller drum known for its high-pitched sound. It is worn around the neck and struck rhythmically around the lower abdomen. The shimedaiko uplifts the spirits of both dancers and spectators alike, adding an invigorating rhythm to the performance.

Shinobue: A traditional Japanese transverse flute celebrated for its clear and melodious tones. Whether played with emotional depth or lively energy, the shinobue enriches the atmosphere by carrying the main melody of the "zomeki" with grace.

Shamisen: A quintessential stringed instrument in Japan, characterized by its slightly rounded rectangular body and long neck ('sao') with an 'ebio' at the tip. Typically played with a 'bachi' plectrum, the shamisen evokes a sense of urgency akin to the spirit of "zomeki."

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