[Kanagawa Traditional Culture Children's Seasonal Almanac] Tsugaru shamisen player and DJ, DJ Tei talks about Japanese traditional culture

The Kanagawa Traditional Culture Children's Almanac, an event where visitors can experience the traditional culture that has been passed down in Kanagawa Prefecture, was held at the Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center on Saturday, October 26, 2024. This year, DJ Mikado, who is very popular at clubs and discos and is a regular on FM Yokohama's programs, appeared. We asked him about his multifaceted side as a Tsugaru shamisen player under the name Mikado Masamine and his activities as a folk song ambassador, his journey so far, and the appeal of folk songs.
(October 8, 2024 at the Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center Momijizaka Hall)

From being born into a folk music family to becoming a DJ

-You've been practicing folk songs, singing, taiko drums and shamisen since you were a child. What was your upbringing like?

DJ's grandfather was Mikado Kinto, the first head of the Chidori-ryu Esashiken folk song school. My mother was the second Mikado Kinto and ran a school in Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama, so I was exposed to folk songs from an early age. I started playing the Tsugaru shamisen when my voice changed. Unlike the refined atmosphere of the thin-necked shamisen, I was fascinated by the lively sound of the Tsugaru shamisen.

I practiced enthusiastically, and after six months, in 1998, I participated in the Tsugaru Shamisen Competition National Tournament, sponsored by the Japan Folk Song Association, and won a silver medal in the junior division. In 2000, I played shamisen as backup for an enka singer at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen. After that, I fell in love with hip-hop, and admired the DJs (disc jockeys) working in clubs, so I became a DJ in my teens. Even when I was attending university, music was always with me.

-What kind of work does a DJ do?

DJ EmperorThere are many types of DJs, but the job of a club DJ is to read the atmosphere of the venue and keep the music flowing while keeping the customers moving along to the rhythm. It's great to see the customers having fun and getting excited. It's a night job, so it's hard in the morning, but I perform as a DJ at clubs, discos, and bars all over the country.

Guided by a connection, I have been appearing as a regular on FM Yokohama's program "PRIME TIME" on Thursdays for seven years. I am also a folk song ambassador recognized by the Japanese Folk Song Association, and teach shamisen at my mother's school under the name "Mikado Masamine," and perform at events such as folk song competitions.

The appeal of folk songs

- When I think of folk songs, I sense the world of Japanese tradition and an old-fashioned atmosphere. What is the appeal of folk songs?

DJ Tei Minyo is music that has taken root in people's lives and has been sung and passed down through the generations. Listening to it, you can understand the lifestyles and feelings of people in the past. For example, in this issue of Children's Saijiki, the lyrics of the "Hakone Umako Uta" that everyone sings include the line, "You can cross the Hakone eight ri on horseback, but the Oi River cannot be crossed."

Hakone Hachiri refers to the eight ri journey from Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture to Mishima in Shizuoka Prefecture. At the time, the Oi River was a natural defense to stop enemy advances to Edo and Sunpu Castle, so no bridges were built and it was forbidden to cross by boat. People who wanted to cross the river had to ride on people's shoulders or in a palanquin, and when the Oi River was swollen from rain, they would wait for days without being able to cross for the water to subside. That is why the song goes, "The Oi River that cannot be crossed."

When you learn folk songs, you can picture scenes and scenery like the harsh natural environment and the difficulty of passing through checkpoints. The unique vocal technique and intonation, as well as the nostalgic melody, are also appealing.

Towards a "Children's Almanac"

-As part of the Children's Seasonal Almanac, children will experience folk songs and Bon Odori. Please tell us if you have any special feelings about working with children.

DJ Tei: Recently, my activities have shifted from the night scene to the stage where I work with children. Children are innocent, honest, pure and explosive. I believe that by experiencing folk music, children will be moved and take home with them. I am looking forward to seeing their reactions.

On the day, the person who will be teaching folk songs, which are local songs, will be Akiko Seino, vice president of the youth division of the Japanese Folk Song Association. I am Seino's top student, who has been learning taiko since I was in the fourth grade of elementary school, and Seino is a professional when it comes to teaching children. I want the children to feel the pleasure of singing out loud with all their might.

-That sounds exciting.

As for DJ Teitai Bon Odori, I have been participating as a DJ and playing music at festivals in Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture for several years. I feel that the position of Bon Odori has changed nationwide recently from traditional to modern. We also dance Tankobushi, and enjoy the music freely over pop music. Seeing the smiles of local children enjoying themselves naturally and hearing their cheers makes me happy, and I feel that Bon Odori and festivals are becoming an important part of my activities.

This year's Bon Odori will also involve Ageha Bijo, head of the Japanese folk dance school, Houcho-ryu, who danced the Tokyo Ondo at the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. I think it will be an event where you can experience a new trend in Bon Odori. I will make sure that everyone who participates has a great time.

DJ Emperor Mikado Masamine
Official X: Here
Official Instagram: here

profile
Born in 1984, born and raised in Yokohama.
Graduated from Shonan Institute of Technology High School and Asia University Department of Business Administration.
Her mother is the head of the Chidori-ryu Esashiken folk song school, and she has been training in singing, drums, and shamisen since she was a child. She won the silver prize in the junior division of the 1998 Tsugaru Shamisen Competition. She has also performed as a backing musician at the Red and White Song Battle.
He started his career as a hip-hop DJ in 2002. He is currently active in clubs, discos and bars in Yokohama. He is known for his wide selection of music and beautiful mixes.
He is a regular DJ on FM Yokohama's "PRIME TIME" on Thursdays. He is also an official folk song ambassador of the Japanese Folk Song Association, and plays shamisen and shakuhachi to folk songs at events.