Music

Despite being well aware that the words would be unfathomable, and the story even less clear, I’ve always wanted to attend a Noh performance; the masks in particular, and also the mood created by the torchlight if it’s done traditionally, undoubtedly creating an incredible spectacle. Certainly not one to be easily forgotten, that’s for sure.

Seeing a Noh performer practicing in the sunshine, and sadly sans mask, on the other hand, obviously can’t match such ideals, but nevertheless, it’s still a mesmerising sight.

The moves.

His rather maudlin singing.

Along with the natural elements of the stage.

And its natural looking ones.

All making for a unique, as well as very private.

Performance.

The distribution of leaflets and tissues, or the simple system of simply shouting, are tried and trusted techniques in Tokyo when it comes to promoting new businesses and big sales; both of which, considering how common they are, must result in at least some success.

Gauging the merits of a traditional campaign by a chindonya troupe, on the other hand, is probably much harder, but considering that there are only 30 or so groups still operating in and around Tokyo, it’s probably fair to say that they don’t draw in the customers like they once did back in the day.

Yet regardless of results, with their cheerful demeanor as well as drums, they do at least make for a very welcome change indeed.

Along with mikoshi, or portable shrines, taiko drums are a mainstay of many Japanese festivals, although a large number of the latter generally aren’t as big as this lumbering beast.

An instrument that needless to say required quite a few people to pull it along the pre-arranged path.

But all the effort was worth it when the drum was made to produce its powerful, almost primeval sound. An effect that this recording unfortunately does little to reproduce, as although it may replicate the sound to a certain extent, it in no way recreates the vibrations that can be felt bouncing around the air, and even through one’s bones.

Of course knocking out such a noise is no easy task, and those with enough gumption to give it a go understandably had to psyche themselves up beforehand.

As well as utilise a variety of tricky looking techniques.

And of course muster the required strength and stamina.

All of which were warmly appreciated by those watching.