Japan’s Living National Treasure Choichi Terukina (the right person in center row) and the members of the Choichi Kai Dojos in Los Angeles and Hawaii.
Cultural News 2011 March Issue
The opportunity to experience the performance of a Japanese Living National Treasure is rare, even in Japan. Here in California, it is extraordinary. Sanshin master Choichi Terukina was designated in 2000 as a Living National Treasure of Japan, for his mastery of Koten (Ryukuan Classical Music).
This month Mr. Terukina will perform at The Center for Early Education in West Hollywood, in an appearance that marks the sanshin virtuoso’s first concert in mainland United States.
Inspired by the three stings of the traditional sanshin, the event, entitled “3 Strings, Songs of Okinawa,” will showcase the music of Japan’s southernmost archipelago—from Koten of the ancient Ryukyuan court, to centuries of folk music from the once sovereign islands.
In recent years the infectious melodies and upbeat rhythms of the ancestral music of Okinawa have drawn prominent Western musicians to the islands, from well-known guitarists Ry Cooder and Bob Brozman, to composers Michael Nyman and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Although Okinawan music has recently made its way onto the world stage, it has been eminent within the local culture for generations. Modern Uchinanchu (Okinawans) still seek the soul of their homeland in the music of the islands.
Contemporary Okinawan music derives influences from around the globe, yet retains the sound and feeling of the traditional songs. The “3 Strings” program will feature several of Mr. Terukina’s original compositions, performed by members of the Choichi Kai Dojos in Los Angeles and Hawaii.
The program also highlights several of Okinawa’s most treasured songs, some to be accompanied by dances performed by Okinawan dancers from the Los Angeles area.
These songs illustrate the history of a proud and storied people. Leading off the program, Kajadefu Bushi is considered by some a distinguishable anthem of Okinawa. Once reserved to open court festivals, the song celebrates longevity and the prosperity of an aged couple’s descendants.
This fitting performance in Los Angeles celebrates the myriad success of the descendants of Okinawa abroad.
Other traditional selections include the popular Nubui Kuduchi and Udui Kuwadisa. Nubui Kuduchi, a historical dance, chronicles the compulsory travels of the Ryukyuan court envoys to the Satsuma daimyo’s capitol in Kagoshima on Kyushu Island during Shogun rule. The beautiful Udui Kuwadisa, a song as beautiful as the Kuwadisa tree that it celebrates, has achieved distinction throughout Japan for the traditional “Bingata” kimono and Hanagasa headwear customarily worn by the dancers.
The musical comedy Bazangaa, a play with roots dating back to Japan’s Taisho Era (the turn of the twentieth century), has also been slated for the program. The comedy takes a farcical look at love in agricultural villages of the era, depicting two attractive couples and two non-attractive couples and the interactions among themselves and each other.
These selections, and several other popular favorites, will comprise the two-hour program. The concert, “3 Strings, Songs of Okinawa” will take place at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, March 19 at The Center for Early Education, Community Center, 563 N Alfred Street, West Hollywood, CA 90048. Call (323) 988-1079, or email LAshibu@gmail.com for tickets.
Tickets are available for $25 before the show or $30 at the door. Students are $20 with current student identification.
