Workshops | Onikenbai Basic Dance:'Ichiban Niwa' (Iwate)
Onikenbai is a representative folk art of the Tohoku region of Japan originating in the Kitakami area of Iwate Prefecture. It is said to have first been performed by the priest who founded Shugendou over 1300 years ago. This brave, solemn dance is performed stomping the ground to a musical accompaniment of flute, taiko, and small cymbals. It is offered as a prayer to drive away evil spirits, bring peace and tranquility, and reap a bountiful harvest.
Profile
Yoshikazu Fujimoto
Yoshikazu Fujimoto joined "Sado no Kuni Ondekoza" in 1972. In 1981 he was one of the founding members of Kodo, and for 35 years has been the group's featured O-daiko player and center-man for the "Yatai-bayashi" climax. He has been studying Iwasaki Onikenbai since his Ondekoza days, and after many years of cultural exchange, he received a performer's license from the Iwasaki Onikenbai grand master in 1998. He has been active as Sado's resident Onikenbai authority ever since, and founded the Iwasakiden Sado Onikenbai group in 2007.
Workshop Details
- Date:
- Aug. 18 (Tue) 10:00 - 12:00
- Venue:
- Rito Centre 3F
- Participation Fee:
- 3,000 yen
- Capacity:
- 16 people, ages 15 & over
- Instructor:
- Yoshikazu Fujimoto (Kodo)
- Notes:
- Workshop conducted in Japanese only.
