Misa & Germain Edito:
1st day: Unfortunately I arrived too late, for the morning Noh performance so I could not see it. In the afternoon they had a traditional Japanese music concert. The first part was Women playing (箏) Koto, with only one man playing a Japanese traditional bamboo flute, Shakuhachi (尺八). The sound was very beautiful and deep, every body was listening and no other sound was heard. After, a group of men played the same flute as before; I have to say it did not strike my feeling as much as the Koto but you can have a little sample of both from the videos.
On my way home I met a procession of Shinto priest going toward the main shrine, I really like the regular pace they had, like a regiment and the sounds made by their shoes on the floor.
2nd day: When we arrived, we happened upon a wedding procession. The brilliant, red parasol shading the bride and groom stole the focus as necks craned away from the stage. But as the costumed dancer strolled down to the stage, the wedding party was forgotten. Hobu is a Japanese classical dance, circa 15th Century, utilizing jumping movements, circling movements and poses. She was the picture of grace…and while the rest of us were seeking shade or fanning ourselves, just watching her… she didn’t even break a sweat! Germain and I took a break from the stage to wonder the grounds and found the martial arts building. There, we watched
Kyudō (弓道), a traditional archery competition- from high school kids to little grandmas and grandpas. After the archery, I returned to the stage for the afternoon performance:
Satsuma-biwa (a stringed instrument). This instrument originated in Persia and Arabia, coming to Japan via India and China. This trip and its influences can be heard in the music…
