Fuji Japanese Music
Fuji Japanese Music, a traditional Japanese music troupe in Los Angeles, will perform three Yamatogaku songs featuring shamisen and narimono percussion accompaniment in OC Japan Fair at OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, on Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 3:30 – 4:00 pm.
General admission of OC Japan Fair is $10
https://www.oc-japanfair.com/
Players of Fuji Japanese Music are following:
Voice: Kyosho Yamato
Shamisen: Yasoyo Yamato, Kyoichiro Yamato (Carlos Coronado), Kanae Omura
Narimono: Carlos Coronado, Keiko Hashimoto
Founded 90 years ago by artist and businessman Baron Kichishichiro Okura, “Yamatogaku” is modernized shamisen music that aims to blend the best of both traditional Japanese and western elements.
At OC Japan Fair on Sunday, April 21 at 3:30 pm, featured Yamatogaku songs are:
ASAKUSA TANBO “Rice Fields near Asakusa” Composed 1995.
Set in a rice field area located behind Asakusa Shin-Yoshiwara, (present-day Taito Ward, Tokyo) during the Edo period, this short number resurges old-time sentiments of the area’s temples and Geisha.
Lyrics first conjure two large Nio statues protecting the entrance to Sensoji Temple with fierce and menacing glares, suggesting they have much hard work to do, given such a daunting post.
The second verse imbues the tune with more worldly sentiments, described in the fleeting dreams of a Geisha, walking back to her Geisha quarter on a road that still exists today.
FUJI MURASAKI “Purple Wisteria” Composed 1978.
Branches of beautiful wisteria blossoms gracefully sway in a gentle breeze among an intimate, dreamlike atmosphere, carrying butterflies dancing alongside a sweet and delicate aroma, alluding to the Japanese dance classic, Fuji Musume.
EDO NO NIGIWAI “Bustling Edo” Composed 1994.
The streets of Edo, (original name of Tokyo), have always been bustling with large numbers of merchants coming and going. In this song, such scenery is depicted in a very pleasant way.
The shops are covered with noren curtains, and there are people walking around, including basket sellers, tofu sellers, fish sellers, medicine sellers, broom sellers, mustard sellers, and chili pepper sellers. The children join in and have fun playing lively.
For lessons or performance inquiry, please contact:
fujijapanesemusic@gmail.com
