#deban

For the first time in decades the date for Onshūkai has changed! Onshūkai will be held from October 3rd to 8th at the Kyoto Prefectural Center for Arts and Culture at The Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. Participants Natori Geiko: Mamezuru (まめ鶴), Koman (小萬), Sonomi (そ乃美). Mamehiro )(豆弘), Takazuru (孝鶴), Mameka (豆花), Korin (小りん), Fukue (フク愛), Mamechizu (豆千鶴), Terutoyo (照豊), Mameryō (豆涼), Fukuha (福葉), Satomi (里美), Mameya (まめ弥), Kokimi (小喜美), Kogiku (小菊), Mamesuzu (まめ鈴), Koai (小愛), Mihoko (美帆子), Mao (真生), Yukako (有佳子), Makiko (槇子), Ichiyuri (市有里), Koyō (小耀), Kosen (小扇), and Sayaka (紗矢佳). Geiko: Mayuha (満友葉), Koyoshi (小芳), Mamemaru (豆まる), Fumino (章乃), Satsuki (紗月), Katsutomo (佳つ智), Masaki (真咲), Mameroku (豆六), Katsuhina (佳つ雛), Eriha (恵里葉), Ichitomi (市十美), Katsue (佳つ江), Shino (紫乃), Ichiharu (市晴), Marika (茉利佳), Mamesumi (豆純), and Mameryū (まめ柳). Jikata Geiko: Emiji (恵美二), Kimiya (君彌), Komomo (小桃), Danyū (だん祐), Mamechiyo (豆千代), Yoshimame (芳豆), Kimizuru (君鶴), Danka (だん香), Fukunami (福奈美), Masuho (ます穂), Yukizono (幸苑), Danmitsu (だん満), Mahori (まほ璃), and Emino (恵美乃). Maiko: Mameharu (まめ春), Koeri (小衿), Katsuhana (佳つ花), Mamekinu (まめ衣), Mitsuki (美月), Tomoko (朋子), Kohana (小花), Konami (小なみ), Mametama (豆珠), Tatsuha (多都葉), Yuriha (ゆり葉), Mamesaya (豆沙弥), Katsuharu (佳つ春), Katsumomo (佳つ桃), Mizuno (瑞乃), Mameyo (豆誉), Nanoha (菜乃葉), Asuka (あす佳), Ichihiro (市紘), Konatsu (小奈都), Mariko (槇里子), Katsuemi (佳つ笑), Miwako (美羽子), Mameyui (豆結), Mameju (まめ樹),  Suzuno (鈴乃), Kosumi (小純), Mameaya (まめ彩), Asako (亜佐子), and Masako (槇沙子). Shift 1: October 3rd and 6th Scene 1: Shiki San Basō (四季三葉草) - Three Grass/Leaves of The Four Seasons Dancers Sennen/1,000 Years (千歳): Mameya (まめ弥) Okina/Old Man (翁): Mameryō (豆涼) San Basō/Third Dance Expression (三番曳): Satomi (里美) Joruri Singers Kiyomoto Nobuhatsuma (清元延初磨), Kiyomoto Nobukiyoe (清元延清恵), and Yoshimame (芳豆) Shamisen Kiyomoto () and Emiji (恵美二) High Pitch Shamisen  Kimiya (君彌) Scene 2: Hime Sanja (姫三社) - Three Shrine Princesses Dancers Mizuno (瑞乃), Katsuharu (佳つ春), Konatsu (小奈都), Miwako (美羽子), Mameyo (豆誉), and Mameyui (豆結) Singers Kimiya (君彌), Danka (だん香), and Danmitsu (だん満) Shamisen Masuho (ます穂), Yukizono (幸苑), and Mahori (まほ璃) Scene 3: Yuki Tsuki Hana (雪月花) - Snow Moon Flower Part 1: Yuki (雪) - Snow Dancers Chūbei (忠兵衛): Mamesuzu (まめ鈴) Umegawa (梅川): Ichiyuri (市有里) Singers Komomo (小桃) and Masuho (ます穂) Shamisen Danyū (だん祐) and Fukunami (福奈美) Part 2: Tsuki (月) - Moon Dancer Mamechizu (豆千鶴) Joruri Performers Mamechiyo (豆千代) and Danka (だん香) Shamisen Emiji (恵美二) and Kimizuru (君鶴) Part 3: Hana (花) - Flower Dancers Yukiko/Snow Child (雪子): Mihoko (美帆子) Kōko/Happiness Child (幸子): Koyō (小耀) Miyoko/Mysterious Child (妙子): Makiko (槇子) Joruri Performers Uji Haru (宇治はる) and Uji Shiho (宇治しほ)  Shamisen Uji Oto (宇治をと) and Uji Han (宇治はん) Scene 4: Yukari No Tsuki (由縁の月) : Acquaintance of The Moon  Dancer Mamezuru (まめ鶴) Musicians Komasu (小ます), Danyū (だん祐), Masuho (ます穂), and Yukizono (幸苑) Scene 5: Musume Dojoji Yori (娘道成寺より) - An Excerpt From Musume Dojoji Dancers Geiko (芸妓): Fumino (章乃), Satsuki (紗月), Mameroku (豆六), and Katsutomo (佳つ智) Maiko (舞妓): Tomoko (朋子), Yuriha (ゆり葉), Mametama (豆珠), Mameharu (まめ春), Tatsuha (多都葉), and Mitsuki (美月) Singers Komomo (小桃), Danka (だん香), and Yukizono (幸苑) Shamisen Danyū (だん祐), Kimizuru (君鶴), and Kogiku (小菊) Shift 2: October 4th and 7th Scene 1: Hime Sanja (姫三社) - Three Shrine Princesses Dancers Katsuemi (佳つ笑), Katsumomo (佳つ桃), Ichihiro (市紘), Mariko (槇里子), Nanoha (菜乃葉), and Asuka (あす佳) Singers Kimiya (君彌), Danka (だん香), and Danmitsu (だん満) Shamisen Masuho (ます穂), Yukizono (幸苑), and Mahori (まほ璃) Scene 2: Kiku No Sakazuki (菊の盃) - Chrysanthemum Sake Cup Dancers Mameka (豆花), Fukue (フク愛), and Terutoyo (照豊) Joruri Performers Mamechiyo (豆千代), Fukunami (福奈美), and Emino (恵美乃) Shamisen Emiji (恵美二), Tokiwazu Mitsumi (常磐津三都貴), and Kimizuru (君鶴) Scene 3: Hōshō (老松) - Old Pine Tree Singers Komomo (小桃), Mamechiyo (豆千代), Fukunami (福奈美), and Emino (恵美乃) Shamisen Masuho (ます穂), Kimizuru (君鶴), Mahori (まほ璃), and Danmitsu (だん満) Fue Makiko (槇子) Kotsuzumi Koyoshi (小芳), Mamemaru (豆まる), and Sonomi (そ乃美) Otsuzumi Yukako (有佳子) Taiko Mao (真生) Scene 4: Yukari No Tsuki (由縁の月) : Acquaintance of The Moon Dancer Koman (小萬) Musicians Komasu (小ます), Danyū (だん祐), Masuho (ます穂), and Yukizono (幸苑) Scene 5: Suki No Otaue (主基の御田植) - The Rice Planting Festival Dancers Tanushi/Main Rice Planter (田主): Mayuha (満友葉)   Saotome/Young Rice Planters (早乙女): Shino (紫乃), Katsue (佳つ江), Mamesumi (豆純), Marika (茉利佳), Eriha (恵里葉), Ichiharu (市晴), Mameryū (まめ柳), and Ichitomi (市十美) Singers Mamechiyo (豆千代), Yukizono (幸苑), and Yoshimame (芳豆) Shamisen Danyū (だん祐), Kimizuru (君鶴), and Emino (恵美乃) Shift 3: October 5th and 8th Scene 1: Shiki San Basō (四季三葉草) - Three Grass/Leaves of The Four Seasons Dancers Sennen/1,000 Years (千歳): Kogiku (小菊) Okina/Old Man (翁): Kokimi (小喜美) San Basō/Third Dance Expression (三番曳): Fukuha (福葉) Joruri Singers Kiyomoto Nobuhatsuma (清元延初磨), Kiyomoto Nobukiyoe (清元延清恵), and Danka (だん香) Shamisen Kiyomoto Shiba (清元紫葉) and Emino (恵美乃) High Pitch Shamisen Kimizuru (君鶴) Scene 2: Momiji Gari (紅葉売) - Selling Red Maple Leaves Dancers Mameaya (まめ彩), Suzuno (鈴乃), Kosumi (小純), Masako (槇沙子), Mameju (まめ樹), and Asako (亜佐子) Singers Yukizono (幸苑) and Emino (恵美乃) Shamisen Komomo (小桃), Fukunami (福奈美), Fumino (章乃), and Satsuki (紗月) Scene 3: Yuki Tsuki Hana (雪月花) - Snow Moon Flower Part 1: Yuki (雪) - Snow Dancers Chūbei (忠兵衛): Mao (真生) Umegawa (梅川): Kosen (小扇) Singers Komomo (小桃) and Masuho (ます穂) Shamisen Danyū (だん祐) and Fukunami (福奈美) Part 2: Tsuki (月) - Moon Dancer Sonomi (そ乃美) Joruri Performers Mamechiyo (豆千代) and Yoshimame (芳豆) Shamisen Emiji (恵美二) and Kimizuru (君鶴) Part 3: Hana (花) - Flower Dancers Yukiko/Snow Child (雪子): Sayaka (紗矢佳) Kōko/Happiness Child (幸子): Yukako (有佳子) Miyoko/Mysterious Child (妙子): Koai (小愛) Joruri Performers Uji Haru (宇治はる) and Uji Shiho (宇治しほ) Shamisen Uji Oto (宇治をと) and Uji Han (宇治はん) Scene 4: Kiku No Sakazuki (菊の盃) - Chrysanthemum Sake Cup Dancers Mamehiro (豆弘), Takazuru (孝鶴), and Korin (小りん) Joruri Performers Mamechiyo (豆千代), Yukizono (幸苑), and Emino (恵美乃) Shamisen Emiji (恵美二), Tokiwazu Mitsumi (常磐津三都貴), and Komomo (小桃) Scene 5: Musume Dojoji Yori (娘道成寺より) - An Excerpt From Musume Dojoji Dancers Geiko (芸妓): Koyoshi (小芳), Mamemaru (豆まる), Masaki (真咲), and Katsuhina (佳つ雛) Maiko (舞妓): Konami (小なみ), Mamekinu (まめ衣), Mamesaya (豆沙弥), Kohana (小花), Koeri (小衿), and Katsuhana (佳つ花) Singers Komomo (小桃), Yukizono (幸苑), and Danmitsu (だん満) Shamisen Danyū (だん祐), Kimizuru (君鶴), and Koyō (小耀). Notes About Scenes Shiki San Basō (四季三葉草) - Three Grass/Leaves of The Four Seasons This one is a bit complicated as it’s taken from a very old piece that has multiple parts to it. Each part is portrayed by the specific dancer (Sennen, Okina, and San Basō). This piece traditionally opens the bunraku puppet shows, so think of it as the opening warm up act ^^ Hime Sanja (姫三社) - Three Shrine Princesses I’ve covered this one before, and you can read my breakdown here.  Momiji Gari (紅葉売) - Selling Red Maple Leaves A very simple piece that’s danced at ozashiki in the autumn, it’s about a woman selling maple leaves.  Yuki Tsuki Hana (雪月花) - Snow Moon Flower This is another three part dance, although I can’t find much information on either part. Kiku No Sakazuki (菊の盃) - Chrysanthemum Sake Cup Based on a poem by Matsuo Basho, it is the story of a chrysanthemum cup whose imagery brings to mind that of a waterfall. I have no idea how this will be translated into dance though. Yukari No Tsuki (由縁の月) : Acquaintance of The Moon This one tells the story of a courtesan who thinks back on her lover and the time when she had to part from them, which lead her through a marshy field while the moon was bright in the sky. She does so while gazing on the moon in the present. Hōshō (老松) - Old Pine Tree This piece is used purely as a vocal intermission and tells the story of an old pine tree. Suki No Otaue (主基の御田植) - The Rice Planting Festival This piece is based on a real event that takes place annually in Kagawa and features brightly dressed participants who plant the first rice of the year while other participants dance around the field to keep things extra lively! Musume Dojoji Yori (娘道成寺より) - An Excerpt From Musume Dojoji Musume Dojoji is a very famous kabuki play about the dance of a maiden while at Dojoji Shrine. It’s very lively and playful, so it will be interesting to see how the Inoue School interprets it, especially with so many dancers on stage!

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The kenban has seen fit to upload the deban again this year, which is wonderful for karyukai fans! The Kamogawa Odori runs from May 1st to 24th at the Pontocho Kaburenjo. Participants Geiko: Hisafumi (久富美), Ichisono (市園), Ichimitsu (市光), Ichiwaka (市若), Mamechika (豆千佳), Ichiyoshi (市㐂), Ichichō (市兆), Momino (もみ乃), Momichō (もみ蝶), Ichiho (市穂), Ichikiku (市菊), Hisakayo (久加代), Ichisayo (市さよ), Aya (亜弥), Tomoka (朋佳), Ichimame (市真芽), Hisachō (久蝶), Ichiemi (市笑), Ichiraku (市楽), Momiyuki (もみ幸), Mitsuna (光菜), Ayano (あや野), Ichifuku (市福), Ichino (市乃), Chizu (千鶴), Momifuku (もみ福), Hisasuzu (久鈴), Hisamomo (久桃), Taka (多香), Ichiaya (市彩), and Hidechisa (秀知紗). Jikata Geiko: Miyosaku (ミヨ作), Mamechiyo (豆千代), Hisaroku (久ろく), Kazumi (かず美), Ichimitsu (市光), Ichiwaka (市若), Mamechika (豆千佳),  Ichiyoshi (市㐂), Ichichō (市兆), Momino (もみ乃), Momichō (もみ蝶), Ichiho (市穂), Ichikiku (市菊), Hisakayo (久加代), Ichisayo (市さよ), Aya (亜弥), Tomoka (朋佳), Ichimame (市真芽), Hisachō (久蝶), Ichiemi (市笑), Ichiraku (市楽), Momiyuki (もみ幸), Mitsuna (光菜), Ayano (あや野), Ichifuku (市福), Ichino (市乃), Chizu (千鶴), Momifuku (もみ福), Hisasuzu (久鈴), Hizuru (ひづる), Hisamomo (久桃), Taka (多香), Ichiaya (市彩), and Hidechisa (秀知紗). Maiko: Ichiyū (市結), Mitsuhana (光はな), Momika (もみ香), Ichisato (市沙登), Ichisumi (市すみ), Ichiai (市愛), Hidekano (秀華乃), Hidemai (秀眞衣), and Hideharu (秀晴). Tea Ceremony Schedule May 1st: Tomoka (朋佳) and Momika (もみ香) May 2nd: Hizuru (ひづる) and Hideharu (秀晴) May 3rd: Ichino (市乃) and Hidekano (秀華乃) May 4th: Ichimame (市真芽) and Ichiai (市愛) May 5th: Momiyuki (もみ幸) and Ichisato (市沙登) May 6th: Ichiemi (市笑) and Ichisumi (市すみ) May 7th: Ayano (あや野) and Hidemai (秀眞衣) May 8th: Momifuku (もみ福) and Hideharu (秀晴) May 9th: Ichiraku (市楽) and Hidekano (秀華乃) May 10th: Taka (多香) and Momika (もみ香) May 11th: Hisasuzu (久鈴) and Ichiyū (市結) May 12th: Mitsuna (光菜) and Mitsuhana (光はな) May 13th: Hisamomo (久桃) and Hidemai (秀眞衣) May 14th: Ichiaya (市彩) and Ichisato (市沙登) May 15th: Ichifuku (市福) and Ichisumi (市すみ) May 16th: Taka (多香) and Ichiai (市愛) May 17th: Hidechisa (秀知紗) and Hideharu (秀晴) May 18th: Chizu (千鶴) and Mitsuhana (光はな) May 19th: Hisamomo (久桃) and Hidemai (秀眞衣) May 20th: Hisachō (久蝶) and Ichiyū (市結) May 21st: Ichisayo (市さよ) and Hidekano (秀華乃) May 22nd: Ayano (あや野) and Ichiai (市愛) May 23rd: Hidechisa (秀知紗) and Ichisato (市沙登) May 24th: Chizu (千鶴) and Ichisumi (市すみ) Part 1: Waka Yo Tare So ~ Tsutsui Zutsu ~ Gojō (わかよたれそ～筒井筒～五場) - Who In Our World? Around The Round Well’s Frame in Five Locations Group 1: May 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd Michimaru (道丸): Hisakayo (久加代) Aki Hime (明姫): Ichisayo (市さよ) Young Michimaru (幼少期の道丸): Mitsuna (光菜) Young Aki Hime (幼少期明姫): Chizu (千鶴) Hikaru Genji (光源氏): Ichiraku (市楽) Arihara Narihira (在原業平): Momiyuki (もみ幸) Third Son (三郎): Aya (亜弥) Lady’s Attendant #1 (侍女1): Ichiaya (市彩) Lady’s Attendant #2 (侍女2): Hidechisa (秀知紗) Group 2: May 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, and 23rd Michimaru (道丸): Momino (もみ乃) Aki Hime (明姫): Momichō (もみ蝶) Young Michimaru (幼少期の道丸): Ichifuku (市福) Young Aki Hime (幼少期明姫): Tomoka (朋佳) Hikaru Genji (光源氏): Ichiemi (市笑) Arihara Narihira (在原業平): Ichino (市乃) Third Son (三郎): Ichichō (市兆) Lady’s Attendant #1 (侍女1): Hisamomo (久桃) Lady’s Attendant #2 (侍女2): Taka (多香) Group 3: May 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, 21st, and 24th Michimaru (道丸): Ichiho (市穂) Aki Hime (明姫): Ichikiku (市菊) Young Michimaru (幼少期の道丸): Momifuku (もみ福) Young Aki Hime (幼少期明姫): Ichimame (市真芽) Hikaru Genji (光源氏): Hisachō (久蝶) Arihara Narihira (在原業平): Ayano (あや野) Third Son (三郎): Ichiyoshi (市㐂)   Lady’s Attendant #1 (侍女1): Hisasuzu (久鈴) Lady’s Attendant #2 (侍女2): Ichiaya (市彩) Enso Rokuon (演奏録音) - Musical Accompaniment Singers (唄): Hisaroku (久ろく), Mamechika (豆千佳), and Momino (もみ乃) Shamisen (三味線): Mamechiyo (豆千代), Kazumi (かず美), and Momichō (もみ蝶) Fue (笛): Tousha Meishō (藤舎名生) Koto (箏): Nakagawa Toshihiro (中川敏裕) Kabuki Accompanists (鳴物): Tousha Kiyotaka (藤舎清鷹), Tousha Etsuyoshi (藤舎悦芳), Nakamura Kotozuru (中村壽鶴), and Mochizuki Kiyosaburo (望月清三郎)   Part 2: Adesugata Shinmiyo Matsuri Shichikei (艶姿祝新御代祭七景) - Festival of Alluring Figures To Celebrate The New Era in Seven Scenes Scene 1: Shinmiyo Matsuri (新御代祭) - Festival To Celebrate The New Era Group 1: May 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd Fire Fighter #1 (鳶頭1): Hisakayo (久加代) Fire Fighter #2 (鳶頭2): Ichiraku (市楽) Traditional Dancers (手古舞): Mitsuna (光菜), Chizu (千鶴), and Ichiaya (市彩) Geiko (芸妓): Aya (亜弥) and Momiyuki (もみ幸) Maiko (舞妓): Ichiyū (市結), Mitsuhana (光はな), Ichisato (市沙登), Ichisumi (市すみ), Hidekano (秀華乃), and Hideharu (秀晴) Group 2: May 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, and 23rd Fire Fighter #1 (鳶頭1): Momino (もみ乃) Fire Fighter #2 (鳶頭2): Ichiemi (市笑) Traditional Dancers (手古舞): Ichifuku (市福), Hisamomo (久桃), and Taka (多香) Geiko (芸妓): Tomoka (朋佳) and Ichino (市乃) Maiko (舞妓): Mitsuhana (光はな), Momika (もみ香), Ichisumi (市すみ), Ichiai (市愛), Hidekano (秀華乃), and Hidemai (秀眞衣) Group 3: May 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, 21st, and 24th Fire Fighter #1 (鳶頭1): Ichiho (市穂) Fire Fighter #2 (鳶頭2): Hisachō (久蝶) Traditional Dancers (手古舞): Momifuku (もみ福), Hisasuzu (久鈴), and Ichiaya (市彩) Geiko (芸妓): Ichimame (市真芽) and Ayano (あや野) Maiko (舞妓): Ichiyū (市結), Momika (もみ香), Ichisato (市沙登), Ichiai (市愛), Hidemai (秀眞衣), and Hideharu (秀晴) Scene 2: Shakkyo (石橋) - Stone Bridge Group 1: May 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd Geiko (芸妓): Aya (亜弥) and Momiyuki (もみ幸) Group 2: May 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, and 23rd Geiko (芸妓): Tomoka (朋佳) and Ichino (市乃) Group 3: May 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, 21st, and 24th Geiko (芸妓): Ichimame (市真芽) and Ayano (あや野) Scene 3: Daimonji (大文字) Group 1: May 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd Geiko (芸妓): Ichisayo (市さよ), Mitsuna (光菜), and Chizu (千鶴) Group 2: May 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, and 23rd Geiko (芸妓): Ichichō (市兆), Ichifuku (市福), and Hisamomo (久桃) Group 3: May 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, 21st, and 24th Geiko (芸妓): Ichiyoshi (市㐂), Momifuku (もみ福), and Hisasuzu (久鈴) Scene 4: Ikkyū (一休) Group 1: May 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd Ikkyū (一休): Hisafumi (久富美) Maiko (舞妓): Ichiyū (市結), Mitsuhana (光はな), Ichisato (市沙登), and Ichisumi (市すみ) Hell Tayū (地獄太夫): Hisakayo (久加代) Group 2: May 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, and 23rd Ikkyū (一休): Momino (もみ乃) Maiko (舞妓): Mitsuhana (光はな), Momika (もみ香), Ichisumi (市すみ), and Ichiai (市愛) Hell Tayū (地獄太夫): Momichō (もみ蝶) Group 3: May 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, 21st, and 24th Ikkyū (一休): Mamechika (豆千佳) Maiko (舞妓): Ichiyū (市結), Momika (もみ香), Ichisato (市沙登), and Ichiai (市愛) Hell Tayū (地獄太夫): Ichikiku (市菊) Scene 5: Hanjo (班女) Group 1: May 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd Hanjo (班女): Ichisono (市園) Group 2: May 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, and 23rd Hanjo (班女): Ichiwaka (市若) Group 3: May 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, 21st, and 24th Hanjo (班女): Ichimitsu (市光) Scene 6: Haja No Tsurugi (破邪の剱) - The Sword That Crushes Evil Group 1: May 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd Dancers (舞): Ichisayo (市さよ), Ichiraku (市楽), Aya (亜弥), Momiyuki (もみ幸), Mitsuna (光菜), Chizu (千鶴), and Ichiaya (市彩) Group 2: May 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, and 23rd Dancers (舞): Momichō (もみ蝶), Ichiemi (市笑), Tomoka (朋佳), Ichifuku (市福), Ichino (市乃), Hisamomo (久桃), and Taka (多香) Group 3: May 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, 21st, and 24th Dancers (舞): Ichiho (市穂), Ichikiku (市菊), Hisachō (久蝶), Ichimame (市真芽), Ayano (あや野), Momifuku (もみ福), and Hisasuzu (久鈴) Scene 7: Finale (フィナーレ) Group 1: May 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd Dancers (舞): Hisakayo (久加代), Ichiraku (市楽), Mitsuna (光菜), Chizu (千鶴), Ichiaya (市彩), Aya (亜弥), Momiyuki (もみ幸), Ichiyū (市結), Mitsuhana (光はな), Ichisato (市沙登), Ichisumi (市すみ), Hidekano (秀華乃), Hideharu (秀晴), Ichisayo (市さよ), Hisafumi (久富美), Ichisono (市園), and Hidechisa (秀知紗) Group 2: May 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, and 23rd Dancers (舞): Momino (もみ乃), Ichiemi (市笑), Ichifuku (市福), Hisamomo (久桃), Taka (多香), Tomoka (朋佳), Ichino (市乃), Mitsuhana (光はな), Momika (もみ香), Ichisumi (市すみ), Ichiai (市愛), Hidekano (秀華乃), Hidemai (秀眞衣), Ichichō (市兆), Momichō (もみ蝶), and Ichiwaka (市若) Group 3: May 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, 21st, and 24th Dancers (舞): Ichiho (市穂), Hisachō (久蝶), Momifuku (もみ福), Hisasuzu (久鈴), Ichiaya (市彩), Ichimame (市真芽), Ayano (あや野), Ichiyū (市結), Momika (もみ香), Ichisato (市沙登), Ichiai (市愛), Hidemai (秀眞衣), Hideharu (秀晴), Ichiyoshi (市㐂), Mamechika (豆千佳), Ichikiku (市菊), and Ichimitsu (市光) Jikata Performers Group 1: May 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd Singers (唄): Hisaroku (久ろく), Ichiho (市穂), Hisasuzu (久鈴), Mamechika (豆千佳), Momino (もみ乃), and Ichimame (市真芽). Mamechika, Momino, and Ichimame will swap out every other shift. Shamisen (三味線): Mamechiyo (豆千代), Ichikiku (市菊), Ichino (市乃), and Hizuru (ひづる) Fue (笛): Momifuku (もみ福) Kotsuzumi (小鼓): Ichiwaka (市若) and Ichifuku (市福) Otsuzumi (大鼓): Hisachō (久蝶) Taiko (太鼓): Ichiemi (市笑) Group 2: May 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, and 23rd Singers (唄): Mamechika (豆千佳), Ichimame (市真芽), Momiyuki (もみ幸), Hisasuzu (久鈴), Ichiho (市穂), and Miyosaku (ミヨ作). Momiyuki, Hisasuzu, and Ichiho will swap out every other shift. Shamisen (三味線): Kazumi (かず美), Mamechiyo (豆千代), Ichisayo (市さよ), and Chizu (千鶴) Fue (笛): Ayano (あや野) Kotsuzumi (小鼓): Ichiyoshi (市㐂) and Mitsuna (光菜) Otsuzumi (大鼓): Ichiraku (市楽) Taiko (太鼓): Ichimitsu (市光) Group 3: May 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, 21st, and 24th Singers (唄): Momino (もみ乃), Hisaroku (久ろく), Momiyuki (もみ幸), and Hidechisa (秀知紗) Shamisen (三味線): Momichō (もみ蝶), Kazumi (かず美), Hisakayo (久加代), and Hizuru (ひづる) Fue (笛): Aya (亜弥) Kotsuzumi (小鼓): Tomoka (朋佳) and Hisamomo (久桃) Otsuzumi (大鼓): Taka (多香) Taiko (太鼓): Ichichō (市兆)     Notes On Scenes Part 1: Waka Yo Tare So ~ Tsutsui Zutsu ~ Gojo (わかよたれそ～筒井筒～五場) - Who In Our World? Around The Round Well’s Frame in Five Locations This one is purely based on speculation, but it appears as though this scene will have something to do with characters who fall through a well into a different world, kinda like with what happened in Inu Yasha. The title of the scene itself comes from The Song of Iroha, which is one of the oldest Buddhist poems in Japan and is a source of national pride. Enso Rokuon (演奏録音) - Musical Accompaniment These are the people who will be performing the jikata during Part 1. Once the dance is over they will continue to perform for a few minutes to allow for scene changes. Part 2: Adesugata Shinmiyo Matsuri Shichikei (艶姿祝新御代祭七景) - Festival of Alluring Figures To Celebrate The New Era in Seven Scenes The second half of the odori is always comprised of a number of smaller scenes, usually six or seven, with their own individual stories and participants. It’s not unusual to have two scenes that contain the same dancers back to back; this is done so that others may perform costume changes. Scene 1: Shinmiyo Matsuri (新御代祭) - Festival To Celebrate The New Era This scene hearkens back to the Edo Period and to the acrobatics of fire fighters. Since the fire fighters needed to be able to climb ladders and such quickly these techniques soon developed into their own style of performance that they would show off to the public during festivals and compete against other fire fighting squads, akin to an acrobatics or dance competition! Scene 2: Shakkyo (石橋) - Stone Bridge Continuing the festival theme, this dance tells the tale of two lions who chase butterflies along a stone bridge. It doesn’t appear as though the performers will be dressed as lions, but will rather be performing this piece as they usually would. Scene 3: Daimonji (大文字) Just from looking at the title it seems as though this will be a dance that focuses on the famous bonfires that are lit on the side of the Daimonji mountain in the summer. Scene 4: Ikkyū (一休) Ikkyū was a monk and poet during the Edo Period who was said to have many fantastical adventures. From the titles of the characters involved it looks like it will be quite an interesting act! Scene 5: Hanjo (班女) Hanjo is a Noh play by Zeami, one of the founders of Noh Theatre. This scene will likely be a short version of that play. Scene 6: Haja No Tsurugi (破邪の剱) - The Sword That Crushes Evil To be honest I have no idea what this scene is about, but just from the title it sounds pretty awesome! This title can also be translated as “The Curse Breaking Sword.” Scene 7: Finale (フィナーレ) The final scene each year. All participants who performed on stage that day come together for one final dance among the wisteria decorations.

All dancers who appeared on stage each day will take part in the finale. Jikata Performers - Nagauta Singer/Shamisen  Set 1a: April 1st, 7th, 13th, 19th, and 25th Performers (長唄): Danka (だん香), Yukizono (幸苑), Kimiya (君彌), Fukunami (福奈美), and Emino (恵美乃). Fill In Singer (立唄): Touon Matsumura Maya (東音松浦麻矢) Fill In Shamisen (立三味線): Emiji (恵美二) Fill In Both (交替): Kimizuru (君鶴) Fill In Singer (13th only): Komomo (小桃) Set 1b: April 4th, 10th, 16th, and 22nd Performers (長唄): Yoshimame (芳豆), Mamechiyo (豆千代), Mahori (まほ璃), Danmitsu (だん満), and Sasaki Naoko (佐々木尚子) Fill In Singer (立唄): Komomo (小桃) Fill In Shamisen (立三味線): Danyū (だん祐) Fill In Both (交替): Masuho (ます穂) Set 2a: April 2nd, 8th, 14th, 20th, and 26th Performers (長唄): Yoshimame (芳豆), Mamechiyo (豆千代), Mahori (まほ璃), Danmitsu (だん満), and Sasaki Naoko (佐々木尚子) Fill In Singer (立唄): Komomo (小桃) Fill In Shamisen (立三味線): Danyū (だん祐) Fill In Both (交替): Masuho (ます穂) Set 2b: April 5th, 11th, 17th, and 23rd Performers (長唄): Danka (だん香), Yukizono (幸苑), Kimiya (君彌), Fukunami (福奈美), and Emino (恵美乃). Fill In Singer (立唄): Touon Matsumura Maya (東音松浦麻矢) Fill In Shamisen (立三味線): Emiji (恵美二) Fill In Both (交替): Kimizuru (君鶴) Set 3a: April 3rd, 9th, 15th, 21st, and 27th Performers (長唄): Danka (だん香), Yukizono (幸苑), Kimiya (君彌), Fukunami (福奈美), and Emino (恵美乃). Fill In Singer (立唄): Touon Matsumura Maya (東音松浦麻矢) Fill In Shamisen (立三味線): Emiji (恵美二) Fill In Both (交替): Kimizuru (君鶴) Set 3b: April 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th Performers (長唄): Yoshimame (芳豆), Mamechiyo (豆千代), Mahori (まほ璃), Danmitsu (だん満), and Sasaki Naoko (佐々木尚子) Fill In Singer (立唄): Komomo (小桃) Fill In Shamisen (立三味線): Danyū (だん祐) Fill In Both (交替): Masuho (ます穂) Non-Geiko Joruri Narrators - 浄瑠璃語り Takemoto Ayanosuke (竹本綾之助) - April 1st, 9th, 10th, 16th, 18th, and 20th Takemoto Tohsako (竹本土佐子) - April 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 24th, and 25th  Takemoto Kyonosuke (竹本京之助) - April 6th, 7th, 8th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, and 27th Non-Geiko Joruri Shamisen - 浄瑠璃三味線 Tsurukawa Hirosuke (鶴澤寛輔) - April 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 12th, 13th, 20th, 24th 25th, 26th, and 27th Tsurukawa Tsukazu (鶴澤津賀寿) - April 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 21st, and 22nd Toyokawa Hinafumi (豊澤雛文) - April 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th Tsurukawa Tsukae ( 鶴澤津賀榮) - April 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 21st, and 22nd Notes About Scenes Scene 1: Okiuta (置歌) - Opening Scene The opening scene each year. It’s performed in front of a background painted to look like silver folding screens. This is reminiscent of the Inoue style’s roots in performances at the villas and castles of the nobility. Scene 2: Hatsu Ebisu Fuku Sasa Kubari (初恵美須福笹配) - Handing Out Lucky Bamboo at Hatsu Ebisu Hatsu Ebisu, which takes place every year on January 11th, features Shinto priests and shrine maidens who bless bamboo branches that are then purchased by the public for good luck in the new year. They can also purchase small amulets and decorations for the branch to make it even more lucky. This event is extremely popular as maiko from Gion Kobu and Miyagawa Cho actually hand out the bamboo to each person who purchases a branch, so it’s a unique chance to get close to real maiko. Scene 3: Hōjūji Dono Ima You Awase (法住寺殿今様合) - The Feudal Lord Appears at Hōjūji I really can’t find much information about this scene at all, so I’m not exactly sure what happens besides that there are shirabyoshi there. The shirabyoshi were female performers who entertained nobility, often dressed as men, and are said to be the precursors to geisha. The Shirabyoshi’s names translate to Spring Chrysanthemum (Harugiku) and Young Chrysanthemum (Wakagiku). The yūjo with them doesn’t specifically have a name, but rather a title; Otomae means “Of The Second Rank,” so we know that she’s not an oiran, but is pretty close. Scene 4: Shijogawara Okuni No Mai (四条河原阿国舞) - Okuni Dances On The Shijo Riverbed Okuni is the inventor of kabuki and “created” the style form when she danced on the dry riverbed of the Shijo River in 1603. Her unique style was then adopted by others and soon kabuki spread across the country. Okuni is a prominent figure in the dance world and a statue exists of her in Kyoto. Nagoya Sanzo was her lover and is said to have promoted her style of dance. He eventually went on to become a kabuki actor after the pair moved to Edo. The attendants in the story are members of their troupe. Their names mean Chrysanthemum (Kiku) and White Bush Clover (Shirahagi). Scene 5: Warashi Bechō Jajusse No Kotobuki (藁稭長者出世寿) - The Story of The Straw Man Millionaire This is an extremely old folk tale that’s managed to spread around the world and is now found in many cultures. The story begins with a man, who the story names as Chota, that prays to the goddess Kannon to escape poverty. She tells him to pick up the first thing that he sees after exiting the temple and then to travel with it west. The first item that he finds is a piece of straw, hence the title. As he travels he comes across an annoying horsefly, which he then ties to his straw. In the next town he comes across a mother, who’s named Chiyo in this account, whose baby can only be soothed by the buzzing of the fly. He exchanges his straw with the fly for three oranges and continues on his way. As he continues on he comes across a woman who’s severely dehydrated. He helps her by giving her the oranges and in return she gives him an expensive piece of silk cloth. Continuing on his journey he comes across a millionaire, who’s named Ottokenzō, who asks to trade his weak, and presumably near death, horse for the cloth, which Chota agrees to. Chota then spends some time nursing the sick horse back to health and then continues on his journey. While travelling he’s stopped by another millionaire, Tsumaaya in this case, who noticed the quality of his horse and invites him to stay at his villa. At the villa he is introduced to Tsumaaya’s daughter. It turns out that the daughter, whose name is Naokichi, is the same woman who Chota saved with the oranges. Tsumaaya sees this as a sign from the gods and suggests that Chota marry Naokichi. By marrying Naokichi Chota would marry into Tsumaaya’s house, which then makes Chota a millionaire. Scene 6: Katsura Rikyū Momiji Gari (桂離宮紅葉狩) - Viewing Maple Leaves at Katsura Imperial Villa Katsura Imperial Villa is considered the most important culturally important land outside of the imperial palace in Kyoto. The land was given to Prince Toshihito by Hideyoshi Toyotomi as a separation gift; Toshihito was adopted by Hideyoshi to be his heir but then ended up having a son of his own. The entire villa was built with parts of The Tale of Genji in mind and construction began in 1624. The villa and its splendid gardens were added onto by subsequent children of Toshihito and even became the residence for Emperor Go Mizunoo who had abdicated his throne. The gardens and the architecture at the villa are said to be among the best in Japan. Its many gardens contain a multitude of maple trees, whose colors in the fall are unparalleled.  Scene 7: Gion Chaya No Yuki Geshiki (祇園茶屋雪景色) - The Snowy Landscape Around The Gion Ochaya Not too much is known about this scene, but it seems to be about maiko and geiko who frolic in the snow that has settled around the ochaya in Gion Kobu during the winter months. Scene 8: Daikakuji Sakura Kurabe (大覚寺桜比) - Comparing Cherry Blossoms at Daikakuji The final scene always sees the entire cast of the day admiring cherry blossoms at a famous site in Kyoto. This year they’ve chosen the very prestigious Daikakuji Temple, which is known for its tall pagoda that can be seen almost anywhere in Kyoto. This pagoda is also mentioned in various songs that maiko and geiko perform at ozashiki. 

An interesting line up for its 70th iteration! The Kyō Odori will take place from April 1st to 16th at the Miyagawa Cho Kaburenjo.  Participants Geiko: Chizuru (ちづる), Fumiyū (富美祐), Fukuha (ふく葉), Fukuka (ふく佳), Fumimari (富美毬), Kanachisa (叶千沙), Kimina (君奈), Kosen (小扇), Fukuteru (ふく光), Kikutsuru (菊つる), Yachiho (弥千穂), Miehina (美恵雛), Fukunao (ふく尚), Kimiyū (君有), Fukuhiro (ふく紘), Fukuai (ふく愛), Kimiaya (君綾), Kofuku (小ふく), Fukusuzu (ふく鈴), Toshikana (とし夏菜), Toshimana (とし真菜), Tanefumi (田ね文), Satoharu (里春), Koume (小梅), Toshisumi (とし純), Fukuchō (ふく兆), Fukune (ふく音), Yoshika (吉華), Toshiteru (とし輝), and Fumika (富美夏). Jikata Geiko: Kanae (叶恵), Fukuha (ふく葉), Fumiyū (富美祐), Chikafuku (千賀福), Chizuru (ちづる), Fukuka (ふく佳), Haruyū (春勇), Kanachisa (叶千沙), Fumimari (富美毬), Kimina (君奈), Kosen (小扇), Fukuteru (ふく光), Yachiho (弥千穂), Miehina (美恵雛), Kimiyū (君有), Fukuhiro (ふく紘), Fukusuzu (ふく鈴), Fukuai (ふく愛), Toshikana (とし夏菜), Toshimana (とし真菜), Yoshika (吉華), and Tae (多栄). Maiko: Koharu (小はる), Fukutomo (ふく朋), Kanako (叶子), Fukutama (ふく珠), Kanayuki (叶幸), Toshiemi (とし恵美), Fukuya (ふく弥), Chikaharu (千賀遥), Chikasaya (千賀明), Kikuyae (菊弥江), Koen (小えん), Fukukana (ふく香奈), Kikusana (菊咲奈), Chikasome (千賀染), Toshinami (とし菜実), Toshinana (とし七菜), Kimimoe (君萌), and Fukuyuri (ふく友利). Tea Ceremony April 1st: Kofuku (小ふく) and Kimimoe (君萌) April 2nd: Tanefumi (田ね文) and Fukukana (ふく香奈) April 3rd: Satoharu (里春) and Kikusana (菊咲奈) April 4th: Koume (小梅) and Chikasome (千賀染) April 5th: Fukuchō (ふく兆) and Kimimoe (君萌) April 6th: Toshisumi (とし純) and Fukukana (ふく香奈) April 7th: Toshiteru (とし輝) and Kikusana (菊咲奈) April 8th: Kimiaya (君綾) and Chikasome (千賀染) April 9th: Kofuku (小ふく) and Kimimoe (君萌) April 10th: Tanefumi (田ね文) and Fukukana (ふく香奈) April 11th: Satoharu (里春) and Kikusana (菊咲奈) April 12th: Koume (小梅) and Chikasome (千賀染) April 13th: Fukuchō (ふく兆) and Kimimoe (君萌) April 14th: Toshisumi (とし純) and Fukukana (ふく香奈) April 15th: Toshiteru (とし輝) and Kikusana (菊咲奈) April 16th: Kimiaya (君綾) and Chikasome (千賀染) Scenes 1 - 4: Fushigi No Kuni No Kyō Ningyo (不思議の国の京人形) - Kyoto Dolls In Wonderland Set 1: April 1st, 5th, 9th, and 13th Female Puppeteer (女太夫): Fukuteru (ふく光) Immortal Wizard (仙千代): Kimiaya (君綾) Dolls Wisteria Maiden (藤娘): Fukuai (ふく愛) Water Bearer (汐汲): Satoharu (里春) Temple Maiden (娘道成寺): Toshikana (とし夏菜) Artist Ono No Michikaze (小野道風): Kosen (小扇) Drawings The Cat (猫の君): Miehina (美恵雛) The Phantom Princesses (まぼろし姫): Toshisumi (とし純), Fukune (ふく音), Toshiteru (とし輝), and Fumika (富美夏) Jikata Singers (唄): Haruyū (春勇), Yachiho (弥千穂), Yoshika (吉華), and Fukuha (ふく葉) Jikata Shamisen (三味線): Chikafuku (千賀福), Fukuka (ふく佳), Toshimana (とし真菜), and Tae (多栄) Set 2: April 2nd, 6th, 10th, and 14th Female Puppeteer (女太夫): Fukuteru (ふく光) Immortal Wizard (仙千代): Kimiaya (君綾) Dolls Wisteria Maiden (藤娘): Kimiyū (君有) Water Bearer (汐汲): Koume (小梅) Temple Maiden (娘道成寺): Fukusuzu (ふく鈴) Artist Ono No Michikaze (小野道風): Kosen (小扇) Drawings The Cat (猫の君): Miehina (美恵雛) The Phantom Princesses (まぼろし姫): Fukuchō (ふく兆), Fukune (ふく音), Toshiteru (とし輝), and Fumika (富美夏)   Jikata Singers (唄): Haruyū (春勇), Yachiho (弥千穂), Yoshika (吉華), and Fukuha (ふく葉) Jikata Shamisen (三味線): Chikafuku (千賀福), Fukuka (ふく佳), Toshimana (とし真菜), and Tae (多栄) Set 3: April 3rd, 7th, 11th, and 15th Female Puppeteer (女太夫): Kimina (君奈) Immortal Wizard (仙千代): Fukunao (ふく尚) Dolls Wisteria Maiden (藤娘): Kofuku (小ふく) Water Bearer (汐汲): Toshimana (とし真菜) Temple Maiden (娘道成寺): Tanefumi (田ね文) Artist Ono No Michikaze (小野道風): Yachiho (弥千穂) Drawings The Cat (猫の君): Yoshika (吉華) The Phantom Princesses (まぼろし姫): Kimiaya (君綾), Fukuchō (ふく兆), Fukune (ふく音), and Fumika (富美夏) Jikata Singers (唄): Chizuru (ちづる), Haruyū (春勇), Miehina (美恵雛), and Fumiyū (富美祐) Jikata Shamisen (三味線): Kosen (小扇), Fukuai (ふく愛), Chikafuku (千賀福), and Kanae (叶恵) Set 4: April 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th Female Puppeteer (女太夫): Kimina (君奈) Immortal Wizard (仙千代): Fukunao (ふく尚) Dolls Wisteria Maiden (藤娘): Kikutsuru (菊つる) Water Bearer (汐汲): Toshisumi (とし純) Temple Maiden (娘道成寺): Fukuhiro (ふく紘) Artist Ono No Michikaze (小野道風): Yachiho (弥千穂) Drawings The Cat (猫の君): Yoshika (吉華) The Phantom Princesses (まぼろし姫): Satoharu (里春), Fukune (ふく音), Toshiteru (とし輝), and Fumika (富美夏)   Jikata Singers (唄): Chizuru (ちづる), Haruyū (春勇), Miehina (美恵雛), and Fumiyū (富美祐) Jikata Shamisen (三味線): Kosen (小扇), Fukuai (ふく愛), Chikafuku (千賀福), and Kanae (叶恵) Scene 5: Miyagawa Teuchi Uta (宮川手打唄) - The Hand Clapping Song of Miyagawa Set 1: April 1st, 5th, 9th, and 13th Dancers (舞): Toshikana (とし夏菜), Tanefumi (田ね文), Satoharu (里春), Koume (小梅), and Toshiteru (とし輝) Set 2: April 2nd, 6th, 10th, and 14th Dancers (舞): Kofuku (小ふく), Toshikana (とし夏菜), Satoharu (里春), Koume (小梅), and Toshiteru (とし輝) Set 3: April 3rd, 7th, 11th, and 15th Dancers (舞): Toshimana (とし真菜), Tanefumi (田ね文), Koume (小梅), Toshisumi (とし純), and Fukuchō (ふく兆) Set 4: April 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th Dancers (舞): Toshimana (とし真菜), Tanefumi (田ね文). Toshisumi (とし純), Fukuchō (ふく兆), and Toshiteru (とし輝) Scene 6: Ame No Shita Iwai Uta (天下祝い唄) - The Whole Word Celebratory Song Set 1: April 1st, 5th, 9th, and 13th First Dancers (一): Kimiyū (君有), Fukuai (ふく愛), and Fukusuzu (ふく鈴) Second Dancers (二): Fumiyū (富美祐) and Fumimari (富美毬) Third Dancer (三): Chizuru (ちづる) Set 2: April 2nd, 6th, 10th, and 14th First Dancers (一): Kimiyū (君有), Fukuai (ふく愛), and Fukusuzu (ふく鈴) Second Dancers (二): Fumiyū (富美祐) and Fumimari (富美毬) Third Dancer (三): Chizuru (ちづる)   Set 3: April 3rd, 7th, 11th, and 15th First Dancers (一): Kikutsuru (菊つる), Fukuhiro (ふく紘), and Kofuku (小ふく) Second Dancers (二): Fukuka (ふく佳) and Kanachisa (叶千沙) Third Dancer (三): Fukuha (ふく葉)   Set 4: April 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th First Dancers (一): Kikutsuru (菊つる), Fukuhiro (ふく紘), and Kofuku (小ふく) Second Dancers (二): Fukuka (ふく佳) and Kanachisa (叶千沙) Third Dancer (三): Fukuha (ふく葉)   Scene 7: Aki No Ne Iro (秋の音色) - The Sounds of Autumn Colors Set 1: April 1st, 5th, 9th, and 13th Dancers (舞): Koharu (小はる), Kanako (叶子), Fukutama (ふく珠), Koen (小えん), Fukukana (ふく香奈), and Fukuya (ふく弥) Shamisen (三味線): Fukutomo (ふく朋), Kanayuki (叶幸), Chikasaya (千賀明), and Kikuyae (菊弥江) Set 2: April 2nd, 6th, 10th, and 14th Dancers (舞): Koharu (小はる), Kanako (叶子), Fukutama (ふく珠), Chikasaya (千賀明), Kikusana (菊咲奈),and Toshinami (とし菜実) Shamisen (三味線): Fukutomo (ふく朋), Toshiemi (とし恵美), Fukuya (ふく弥), and Koen (小えん)   Set 3: April 3rd, 7th, 11th, and 15th Dancers (舞): Fukutomo (ふく朋), Kanayuki (叶幸), Fukuya (ふく弥), Chikasome (千賀染), Toshinana (とし七菜), and Kimimoe (君萌) Shamisen (三味線): Koharu (小はる), Kanako (叶子), Chikaharu (千賀遥), and Fukukana (ふく香奈)   Set 4: April 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th Dancers (舞): Fukutomo (ふく朋), Kanayuki (叶幸), Toshiemi (とし恵美), Chikaharu (千賀遥), Kikuyae (菊弥江), and Fukuyuri (ふく友利) Shamisen (三味線): Koharu (小はる), Kanako (叶子), Fukutama (ふく珠), and Fukuya (ふく弥)   Scene 8: Miyagawa Ondo (宮川音頭) - The Song of Miyagawa Cho All participants from that day’s performance take part in the finale Jikata Performers: Scenes 5, 6, and 8 Set 1: April 1st, 5th, 9th, and 13th Singers (唄): Fukuha (ふく葉), Yachiho (弥千穂), Yoshika (吉華), and Haruyū (春勇) Shamisen (三味線): Fukuka (ふく佳), Chikafuku (千賀福), Toshimana (とし真菜), and Tae (多栄) Fue (笛): Fukuhiro (ふく紘) Kotsuzumi (小鼓): Kimina (君奈) and Kikutsuru (菊つる) Otsuzumi (大鼓): Fukunao (ふく尚) Taiko (太鼓): Kanachisa (叶千沙) Set 2: April 2nd, 6th, 10th, and 14th Singers (唄): Fukuha (ふく葉), Yachiho (弥千穂), Yoshika (吉華), and Haruyū (春勇) Shamisen (三味線): Fukuka (ふく佳), Chikafuku (千賀福), Toshimana (とし真菜), and Tae (多栄) Fue (笛): Fukuhiro (ふく紘) Kotsuzumi (小鼓): Kimina (君奈) and Kikutsuru (菊つる) Otsuzumi (大鼓): Fukunao (ふく尚) Taiko (太鼓): Kanachisa (叶千沙)  Set 3: April 3rd, 7th, 11th, and 15th Singers (唄): Fumiyū (富美祐), Chizuru (ちづる), Haruyū (春勇), and Miehina (美恵雛) Shamisen (三味線): Chikafuku (千賀福), Kosen (小扇), Fukuai (ふく愛), and Kanae (叶恵) Fue (笛): Toshikana (とし夏菜) Kotsuzumi (小鼓): Fukuteru (ふく光) and Fukusuzu (ふく鈴) Otsuzumi (大鼓): Fumimari (富美毬) Taiko (太鼓): Kimiyū (君有) Set 4: April 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th Singers (唄): Fumiyū (富美祐), Chizuru (ちづる), Haruyū (春勇), and Miehina (美恵雛) Shamisen (三味線): Chikafuku (千賀福), Kosen (小扇), Fukuai (ふく愛), and Kanae (叶恵) Fue (笛): Toshikana (とし夏菜) Kotsuzumi (小鼓): Fukuteru (ふく光) and Fukusuzu (ふく鈴) Otsuzumi (大鼓): Fumimari (富美毬) Taiko (太鼓): Kimiyū (君有) Notes About Scenes Scenes 1-4: Fushigi No Kuni No Kyō Ningyo (不思議の国の京人形) - Kyoto Dolls In Wonderland I don’t know the entire story behind these scenes, but what I can tell from the characters it’s going to be very interesting! The scene starts with a female puppeteer who is visited by an immortal wizard. From there the wizard takes her into a different world where three of her dolls come to life: The Wisteria Maiden (Fuji Musume), The Water Bearer (Shioku), and the Temple Maiden (Musume Dodoji). Each of these characters are staples of kabuki and bunraku puppet theatre, so it only makes sense that they’d appear here. Somewhere along the way the great calligrapher Ono No Michikaze has some of his drawings brought to life too; specifically, a cat and a bunch of princesses. I’m not sure how it ends, but it will be very memorable ^^! Scene 5: Miyagawa Teuchi Uta (宮川手打唄) - The Hand Clapping Song of Miyagawa Again, I have no information on this scene, but it appears as though it’s an homage to the types of dances that are popular at summer festivals. Scene 6: Ame No Shita Iwai Uta (天下祝い唄) - The Whole Word Celebratory Song This dance is likely one of celebration for the upcoming change of the emperor which will be taking place on May 1st. “Ame No Shita” can have many different translations, including “the whole world,” “people of a certain country,” “all people under heaven,” “the imperial court,” “the rulers/government of a country.” or “all people of Japan.” The numbers given to the dancers may represent the three levels of existence found in ikebana, which are earth, people, and heaven. Scene 7: Aki No Ne Iro (秋の音色) - The Sounds of Autumn Colors This is the lone scene in which maiko both dance and play the shamisen as they do not appear in any other scene. Only maiko that have been active for over a year get to take part, and the most senior of them take the lead roles in the scenes. Once again I’m not exactly sure what this scene entails, but it is bound to be colorful and fun! Scene 8: Miyagawa Ondo (宮川音頭) - The Song of Miyagawa Cho The finale song remains the same year after year, but it brings to mind the celebration of the spring season, especially the cherry blossoms and the flowers of Miyagawa Cho, and the tourists who flock to the old capital to take in the dances ^^

This is a more comedic piece about a duo of orangutans who steal some sake from a sake peddler. It’s also a bit of a pun as very drunk people are also called orangutans in Japanese.

Set 1: May 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd Singers (唄): Hisaroku (久ろく), Miyosaku (ミヨ作), Ichiho (市穂), and Ichimame (市真芽).  Shamisen (三味線): Mamechiyo (豆千代), Kazumi (かずみ), Hisakayo (久加代), and Hizuru (ひづる). Fue (笛): Momino (もみ乃) Kotsuzumi (小鼓): Ichiwaka (市若) and Ichifuku (市福) Otsuzumi (大鼓): Ichiraku (市楽) Taiko (太鼓): Ichimitsu (市光) Set 2: May 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, and 23rd Singers (唄): Mamechika (豆千佳), Miyosaku (ミヨ作), Hisaroku (久ろく), and Momiyuki (もみ幸). Shamisen (三味線): Kazumi (かずみ), Mamechiyo (豆千代), Ichino (市乃), and Chizu (千鶴).   Fue (笛): Aya (亜矢) Kotsuzumi (小鼓): Ichiyoshi (市㐂) and Ayano (あや野) Otsuzumi (大鼓): Ichichō (市兆) Taiko (太鼓): Ichiemi (市笑) Set 3: May 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, 21st, and 24th Singers (唄): Hisamaru (久丸), Kazuko (一子), Ichichō (市兆), and Hisasuzu (久鈴). Shamisen (三味線): Momichō (もみ蝶), Ichigiku (市菊), Hizuru (ひづる), and Tomizuru (富鶴).  Fue (笛): Momifuku (もみ福) Kotsuzumi (小鼓): Tomoka (朋佳) and Mitsuna (光菜) Otsuzumi (大鼓): Hisachō (久蝶) Taiko (太鼓): Ichisayo (市さよ)

Another deban for the fall dance season has been released! If anyone has any corrections they’d like to add then please feel free to send them in ^^ Mizuekai runs from October 12th to 15th at the Miyagawa Cho Kaburenjo.  Set 1 - October 12th and 14th Scene 1: Hinaburi ひなぶり - Dance to Courtly Music Dancers: Koume (小梅), Koharu (小はる), Kanako (叶子), Fukutama (ふく珠), Kanayuki (叶幸), and Toshiemi (とし恵美). Jikata Singers: Haruyū (春勇), Fumimari (富美毬), and Yoshika (吉華). Jikata Shamisen: Chikafuku (千賀福), Fukuhiro (ふく紘), and Tae (多栄). Scene 2: Kanadehon Chūshingura 仮名手本忠臣蔵 - The Tale of the 47 Ronin Dancers: Kimina (君奈), Kosen (小扇), Miehina (美恵雛), Kimiyū (君有), Kimiaya (君綾), Kofuku (小ふく), Toshikana (とし夏菜), Satoharu (里春), Toshisumi (とし純), and Fukuchō (ふく兆). Joruri Singers: Fukuha (ふく葉), Yachiho (弥千穂), and Fukuteru (ふく光). Jikata Shamisen: Chikafuku (千賀福), Kanachisa (叶千紗), and Fukuhiro (ふく紘). Scene 3: Sannin Renjishi 三人連獅子 - The Three Lions Dancers: Father (父): Fumiyū (富美祐). Mother (母): Kikuno (菊乃). Child (子): Fukunao (ふく尚). Butterflies (胡蝶): Toshimana (とし真菜) and Kimihiro (君ひろ). Jikata Singers: Fukuha (ふく葉), Yachiho (弥千穂), Haruyū (春勇), and Toshiteru (とし輝). Jikata Shamisen: Fukuka (ふく佳), Fukuhiro (ふく紘), Fukuai (ふく愛), and Tae (多栄). Jikata Fue: Yoshika (吉華). Jikata Kotsuzumi: Fukuteru (ふく光), Kikutsuru (菊つる), and Fukusuzu (ふく鈴). Jikata Otsuzumi: Fumimari (富美毬). Jikata Taiko: Kanachisa (叶千紗). Scene 4: Ōtsu-e Sendō 大津絵船頭 - Ōtsu Ferryman Painting  Dancer: Chizuru (ちづる). Joruri Singers: Fukuha (ふく葉), Yachiho (弥千穂), and Yoshika (吉華). Jikata Shamisen: Fukuka (ふく佳), Toshiteru (とし輝), and Fukuai (ふく愛).  Scene 5: Miyagawa Ondo 宮川音頭 - Ballad of Miyagawa Cho Dancers: Kosen (小扇), Miehina (美恵雛), Kimiyū (君有), Kimiaya (君綾), Kofuku (小ふく), Toshikana (とし夏菜), Toshimana (とし真菜), Tanefumi (田ね文), Kimihiro (君ひろ), Korin (小凛), Satoharu (里春), Toshisumi (とし純), Fukuchō (ふく兆), and Fumika (富美夏). Jikata Singers: Fukuha (ふく葉), Yachiho (弥千穂), Haruyū (春勇), Fumimari (富美毬), Fukuteru (ふく光), Kikutsuru (菊つる), Fukusuzu (ふく鈴), and Yoshika (吉華). Jikata Shamisen: Tanekazu (たね和), Chikafuku (千賀福), Fukuka (ふく佳), Kanachisa (叶千紗), Fukuhiro (ふく紘), Fukuai (ふく愛), Toshiteru (とし輝), and Tae (多栄).  Set 2 - October 13th and 15th Scene 1: Hinaburi ひなぶり - Dance to Courtly Music Dancers: Koyoshi (小よし), Fukutomo (ふく朋), Kimitoyo (君とよ), Fukuhana (ふく英), Fukune (ふく音), and Fumiyoshi (富美芳). Jikata Singers: Chizuru (ちづる), Toshikana (とし夏菜), and Haruyū (春勇). Jikata Shamisen: Chikafuku (千賀福), Fukunao (ふく尚), and Tae (多栄). Scene 2: Kanadehon Chūshingura 仮名手本忠臣蔵 - The Tale of the 47 Ronin Dancers: Fumimari (富美毬), Fukuteru (ふく光), Kikutsuru (菊つる), Yachiho (弥千穂), Fukuhiro (ふく紘), Kimiaya (君綾), Tanefumi (田ね文), Korin (小凛), Toshiteru (とし輝), and Fumika (富美夏). Joruri Singers: Chizuru (ちづる), Kikuno (菊乃), and Kimina (君奈). Jikata Shamisen: Chikafuku (千賀福), Miehina (美恵雛), and Kofuku (小ふく). Scene 3: Sannin Renjishi 三人連獅子 - The Three Lions Dancers: Father (父): Fukuka (ふく佳). Mother (母): Kanachisa (叶千紗). Child (子): Yoshika (吉華). Butterflies (胡蝶): Fukuai (ふく愛) and Fukusuzu (ふく鈴). Jikata Singers: Fumiyū (富美祐), Chizuru (ちづる), Miehina (美恵雛), and Haruyū (春勇). Jikata Shamisen: Chikafuku (千賀福), Kosen (小扇), Toshimana (とし真菜), and Tae (多栄). Jikata Fue: Toshikana (とし夏菜). Jikata Kotsuzumi: Kikuno (菊乃), Kimina (君奈), and Kofuku (小ふく). Jikata Otsuzumi: Fukunao (ふく尚). Jikata Taiko: Kimiyū (君有). Scene 4: Ōtsu-e Sendō 大津絵船頭 - Ōtsu Ferryman Painting  Dancer: Fukuha (ふく葉). Joruri Singers: Fumiyū (富美祐). Miehina (美恵雛), and Haruyū (春勇). Jikata Shamisen: Kosen (小扇), Kimiyū (君有), and Toshimana (とし真菜). Scene 5: Miyagawa Ondo 宮川音頭 - Ballad of Miyagawa Cho  Dancers: Fumimari (富美毬), Fukuteru (ふく光), Kikutsuru (菊つる), Yachiho (弥千穂), Fukuhiro (ふく紘), Fukuai (ふく愛), Kimiaya (君綾), Fukusuzu (ふく鈴), Tanefumi (田ね文), Kimihiro (君ひろ), Satoharu (里春), Toshisumi (とし純), Fukuchō (ふく兆), and Toshiteru (とし輝). Jikata Singers: Chizuru (ちづる), Fumiyū (富美祐), Haruyū (春勇), Kikuno (菊乃), Kimina (君奈), Miehina (美恵雛), and Toshikana (とし夏菜). Jikata Shamisen: Tanekazu (たね和), Chikafuku (千賀福), Kosen (小扇), Kimiyū (君有), Fukunao (ふく尚), Kofuku (小ふく), Toshimana (とし真菜), and Tae (多栄).