[Kanagawa Traditional Culture Children's Calendar] An Interview with DJ Tei, Tsugaru Shamisen Player and DJ, on Japanese Traditional Culture

The "Kanagawa Traditional Culture Children's Calendar for Fiscal Year 2024," an event where children 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 in clubs and discos and is a regular on FM Yokohama's radio program, made an appearance. We interviewed him about his multifaceted career, including his role as a folk song ambassador and his Tsugaru shamisen player under the name Mikado Masamine, as well as his journey so far and the charm of folk songs.
(October 8, 2024, at the Momijizaka Hall, Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center)

From being born into a family of folk singers to becoming a DJ

—You've been practicing folk songs, singing, drumming, and shamisen since you were little. How did you grow up?

My grandfather, DJ Tei , was Mikado Kinto, the first headmaster of the Chidori-ryu Esashi-ken school of folk songs. My mother is the second Mikado Kinto, and runs a class in Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama City, so I have been exposed to folk songs since I was a child. I started playing the Tsugaru shamisen when my voice changed. Unlike the elegant, slender-necked shamisen, I was captivated by the vibrant sound of the Tsugaru shamisen.

I practiced with great enthusiasm, and six months later, in 1998, I participated in the Tsugaru Shamisen National Competition hosted by the Japan Folk Song Association and won the silver prize in the junior division. In 2000, I had the opportunity to play the shamisen as a backing instrument for an enka singer at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Contest). After that, I developed a love for hip hop and aspired to become a DJ (disc jockey) working in a club, and I became a DJ in my teens. Even while attending university, music was always by my side.

—What kind of work does a DJ do?

There are many types of DJs , but a club DJ's job is to read the atmosphere of the place and keep the music flowing so that the customers keep moving to the rhythm. It's rewarding to see the customers having fun and getting excited. It's a night job, so mornings are tough, but I perform as a DJ at clubs, discos, and bars all over the country.

Guided by the connections I made, I have been a regular Thursday guest on FM Yokohama's program "PRIME TIME" for seven years now. Meanwhile, I am also a certified folk song ambassador by the Japan Folk Song Association, and as "Mikado Gaho," I teach shamisen at my mother's studio and perform at folk song competitions and other events.

What is the appeal of folk songs?

—When we think of folk songs, we imagine the world of Japanese tradition, a timeless atmosphere. What is the appeal of folk songs?

DJ Teiminyo is music that has taken root in people's lives and has been passed down through generations. Listening to it gives you insight into the lives and feelings of people from the past. For example, in this Children's Almanac, the lyrics of "Hakone Horseman's Song," which everyone sings, include the line, "Even a horse can cross the eight ri of Hakone, but the Oi River is impossible to cross."

Hakone Hachiri refers to the eight-ri (approximately 2.7 km) distance from Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture to Mishima in Shizuoka Prefecture. At that time, the Oi River served as a natural barrier preventing enemy advances toward Edo and Sunpu Castle, so no bridges were built, and crossing by boat was forbidden. Those who wanted to cross the river had no choice but to be carried on someone's shoulders or in a palanquin, and if the Oi River was swollen due to rain, they would have to wait for days for the water to recede without being able to cross. That is the meaning behind the song, "The Oi River, which cannot be crossed."

When you learn folk songs, images and scenes of harsh natural environments and the difficulties of passing through checkpoints come to mind. The unique vocal style and melodic phrasing, along with the somewhat nostalgic melodies, are also part of their charm.

Towards "Children's Seasonal Calendar"

—This is a children's seasonal event, so you'll be letting the children experience folk songs and Bon Odori (traditional Japanese dance). Do you have any special thoughts or feelings about working with children?

DJ Tei: Lately, my activities have shifted from the nightlife scene to stages involving children. Children are pure, innocent, and possess explosive energy. I believe that by experiencing folk music, children will surely take away a sense of wonder. I'm also looking forward to seeing their reactions.

On the day of the event, the person teaching the folk songs, which are traditional songs of our region, will be Akiko Seino, the vice-head of the youth division of the Japan Folk Song Association. I was Ms. Seino's top student, having learned taiko drumming from her since I was in the fourth grade of elementary school, and she is a professional at teaching children. I hope everyone will experience the joy of singing with all their might.

—That sounds exciting.

Regarding DJ Tei Bon Odori, I have been participating as a DJ at the festival in Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture, for several years now, playing music. I feel that the role of Bon Odori is changing nationwide these days, from something traditional to something modern. People dance to Tanko-bushi, and they also enjoy pop music and have a great time. Seeing the smiles of the local children enjoying themselves naturally and hearing their cheers makes me happy, and I feel that Bon Odori and festivals are becoming an important cornerstone of my activities.

This year's Bon Odori festival will also feature Ageha Bijō, the head of the Ageha school of Japanese folk dance, who performed the Tokyo Ondo at the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. We believe this event will offer a glimpse into a new trend in Bon Odori. We will do our best to make it a lively and enjoyable experience for all participants.

DJ Tei Mikado Masamine
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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 school of folk songs, and she has been practicing singing, drumming, and shamisen since she was a child. In 1998, she won the silver prize in the junior division of the Tsugaru Shamisen National Competition. She also has experience playing in the background of the Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Contest).
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 range of music selections and clean mixes.
She is a regular DJ on FM Yokohama's "PRIME TIME" every Thursday. She is also a certified folk song ambassador by the Japan Folk Song Association, and performs shamisen and shakuhachi music to accompany folk songs at events.