February performance, Children's Saijiki - Experience the "Sasara Odori" passed down from ancient times -

On February 11th, ``Kanagawa Traditional Culture Children's Saijiki'' will be performed at the Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center Momijizaka Hall Foyer.
As a step toward passing on this wonderful traditional culture, including the dances, customs, beautiful words, and songs that have been carefully handed down in our local area, to the future, we must first communicate its charm to as many people as possible. , this performance was planned so that people could experience it while having fun.

The performance was divided into two main parts, with the theme of ``Four landscapes that we want to connect to the future.''
In the first part, you can enjoy traditional performing arts that evoke feelings for your hometown through songs and dances passed down in each region, and you can also experience old traditional culture such as woodblock printing, local toys, and picture-story shows. The second part is titled ``Traditional Performing Arts Tour of Kanagawa's Scenic Spots.'' Set in Enoshima, a scenic spot that Kanagawa Prefecture is proud of, the story that has been passed down will be told by a storyteller who will guide you through the story of famous people who are active in the world of traditional performing arts. Artists will draw you into the grand world of folk tales through Noh, biwa, koto, and other instruments.

This time, we will focus on the Sasara Dance, which has been passed down in Kanagawa Prefecture since ancient times, and will be performed in the first part. We also interviewed Takuro Suzuki, a choreographer, director, and dancer who is responsible for the choreography, composition, and production of ``SASARA,'' a program that expresses the rich world of ``Sasara Odori'' through contemporary dance. It was a very interesting and interesting story.

Before that, let me introduce a little bit about Sasara Odori.
Sasara Odori, which is passed down in what is now western Kanagawa Prefecture, was popular during the Edo period and is said to be one of the roots of Bon Odori.
Although it went into disuse due to bans and the Great Kanto Earthquake, it was revived while the memory of the dance remained, and now seven Sasara dances, each with different lyrics and dances, are passed down in Atsugi City, Hadano City, Ashigara City, and other cities. is. (*There are various theories)
The dance is centered around a ring dance, and instead of using flutes, it uses a percussion instrument made of bamboo called ``binsasara'', giving it a very simple and rustic sound. At that time, it was a dance performed by unmarried girls in hopes of meeting someone, and the lyrics depicted encounters between men and women, love affairs, and the charms and lifestyles of each region. It is a very deep traditional performing art.
Today, it is carefully passed down by preservation societies in each region, and in 2008 it was designated as an intangible folk cultural asset by the prefecture as the "Sasara Dance of Sagami."

Sasara dance in the early Showa period (Courtesy of Hadano City Board of Education) You can see that it is made up of young girls.

Sasara Odori of Sagami (Aiko Sasara Odori Bon Uta Preservation Society, 1994/Courtesy of Atsugi City Board of Education)

During the first part of this Sasara Odori performance, members of Aiko Sasara Odori Bon Uta Preservation Society (Atsugi City), Hase Sasara Odori Bon Uta Preservation Society (Atsugi City), and Hadano Sasara Odori Preservation Society (Hadano City) You can enjoy a double feature of ``Sagami no Sasara Odori'' by ``Sagami no Sasara Odori'' and ``SASARA'' by the dance company CHAiroiPLIN led by the aforementioned dancer and choreographer Takuro Suzuki.
CHAiroiPLIN incorporates plenty of lines and onomatopoeia, and with the concept of "dance x theater," it appeals to all generations with its fun performances that are unfettered by preconceived notions.
Sorry I made you wait.
Let's talk to Takuro Suzuki about how they bring this traditional Sasara dance to life.

Takuro Suzuki, president of CHAiroiPULIN

■Please tell us what you felt after learning about the background of Sasara Odori.

First of all, I didn't know about the existence of Sasara Odori until I heard about this story, so I did some research on my own and asked the preservation society to talk to me about it.
What struck me as almost moving was that the content and structure of the lyrics differed depending on the region. In other words, it is proof that the lifestyle and culture of a particular region can be passed down through song and dance. I was honestly happy to know that there are people who are trying to preserve their lifestyles and thoughts for future generations.
When I listen to people talk about their lives at the time, as if they were reminiscing about the encounters between men and women at dance venues, I can hear the memories, smells, memories, and atmosphere of those days that have been ingrained in the dancers from generation to generation. , I felt that it is because of such living episodes that this dance has been passed down to the present day.

■Highlights of SASARA and the future of Sasara Odori

When composing this song, I incorporated Tanabata, which is included in the lyrics of Sasara Odori in every region, as the basis. It is a custom for people to gather together and make wishes in the unknown world of space, such as the stars and the Milky Way.
Although it may seem impossible at first glance, people still believe in something contained in the legend that their wishes will come true, and it continues to this day. I think it's important to preserve such old folklore, folk tales, and scary stories about monsters and other things in our ``memories.'' In order to do that, I think we need to make it funny or use some ingenuity to make it memorable and remain in everyone's hearts, rather than just conveying everything as it is.
Of course, it's important to preserve the original form as it is, and I think we should do that, but I think it would be too difficult to pass it on to the next generation right now, and I don't think it would be easy to enjoy it.

That's why this time, in SARASA, we have chosen the flowers and insects that appear in each song's lyrics to be characters, so that people of all ages and genders can enjoy the song, which is typical of CHAiroiPLIN.
When depicting humans, the appearance of ephemeral objects such as flowers and insects is more attractive than the humans themselves, and the drama is conveyed to the fullest.
Six people, including a dragonfly, a rape blossom, a pumpkin flower, and a grasshopper, dance at a colorful party to celebrate Tanabata. And not in kimonos, but in hats, tailcoats, and party dresses. They rejoice in the various encounters they have and dance to connect their hearts.

We are good at turning words into dance, so we interpret the prototype in our own way, digest it, choreograph it, and add color to it. It would be great if only a small percentage of the children who saw it became interested and wanted to know the original model. We create opportunities to learn.
I think that in this way I can continue to be involved in passing on the legacy. So, regardless of generation, I would like everyone in the family to watch it together.
The fun songs and dances left a lasting impression on everyone, and about 10 years later, the children were saying, ``Oh, this is the Sasara dance!'' I would be happy if you said something like that (lol)
CHAiroiPLIN Performance of the dancing fairy tale “AZUKI” At Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center Studio HIKARI

■Please give a message to everyone who is looking forward to watching the show.

After all, Sasara Odori is said to be the root of Bon Odori, and was a dance for people to meet.
If you come to the theater, you are sure to meet new people.
SASARA is an encounter between people who cherish old things and us who also want to cherish new things. I hope that the people who watch it also come to the theater thinking that they will be able to encounter something that they didn't have before. It might be a new feeling or a new way of thinking.
I don't know what it is, but I think I'll be a slightly different person by the time I get home.
I hope that you will come with the desire to challenge yourself without being afraid of change. I'm looking forward to it!

2021 Kanagawa Traditional Culture Children's Seasonal Calendar
[Date and time] February 11, 2022 (Friday/Holiday)
13:00-17:30
[Venue] Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center Momijizaka Hall Foyer
[Admission fee] Free (advance application required)
*Some workshops require a fee.
[How to apply] Please apply using either method [A] or [B] below.
[A] Apply from the application form
[B] Apply via return postcard
On the return postcard,
①Please write the event name “Children’s Saijiki”
② Name (furigana), postal code, address, and telephone number of the applicant representative
③Program you wish to view
Select from both “Part 1” and “Part 2”, “Part 1” only, or “Part 2” only
④Number of participants (including the applicant representative) *Up to 5 people
Please specify and send to the address below.
Application address: 9-1 Momijigaoka, Nishi-ku, Yokohama 220-0044
Prefectural Youth Center Hall Management Division <Children's Seasonal> Section
[Application period] Must arrive from December 9, 2021 (Thursday) to January 31, 2022 (Monday)
[Sponsored by] Kanagawa Prefecture/Kanagawa Traditional Performing Arts Executive Committee Kanagawa Prefecture
[Grant] General Incorporated Foundation Regional Creation, Arts and Culture Promotion Fund Grant Project
2021 Japan Expo Innovation Project
[Inquiries] Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center Hall Management Division
Phone: 045-263-4475 (9:00 to 17:00)
[Official homepage] Click here