Flyers and/or lots of shouting are common forms of attracting trade in modern Tokyo, but in the post-war years, Chindonya were very common. A colourful, far more entertaining form of advertising that has sadly all but vanished, with only 25 troupes or so left in the whole country. But even now, like back in their heyday, the most common form of promotion is pachinko parlours.
winnie says
During my stay in Japan, I saw a couple of time.
I think they are very interesting and attractive.
I hope that Chindonya can continue to last… because I think it play important part of Japan’s culture
Lee says
Yeah, in my time here I’ve only seen them a handful of times. A real shame as they are good fun and put a smile in people’s faces.
Hopefully they will survive, and not just as some kind of performance piece, but in a regular working sense.
Squidpuppy says
I remember seeing Chindonya quite frequently as a young kid, but by about the time the street cars disappeared, they were a rarity. Another throwback to the olden days I remember is Kamishibai – have you seen any of those still around?
Lee says
I’ve seen them in the park now and again, but that’s about it. Not very often either unfortunately.
On a slightly different note, you don’t have any photos of Tokyo with street cars do you? The images I have seen have been fascinating.
Squidpuppy says
Unfortunately no. I’ve combed through what remaining family photos I’ve got from that era, and haven’t found any general city scape snaps yet. I think if they were taken, the prints were likely sent to relatives back in the States. I’ve found shots of places like Tokyo Tower and Kamakura Kotokuin, but except for the clothing folks are wearing, it’s difficult to tell any difference. I’ll keep looking and if I find something interesting, I’ll post it.
Lee says
Ah, ok. Thanks for looking though, and do let me know if you find anything interesting please.
Hans ter Horst says
I’m a big jazz fan (mainly from the late 1950s to the late 1960s) and I’ve enjoyed the music some of these Chindonya groups were playing. It sort of goes on and on in a sort of hypnotic way that reminds me of recordings by Jackie McLean or Archie Shepp 🙂
Lee says
Apart from a few albums I have, jazz has never really been my thing, but I totally agree on the hypnotic quality. A real shame they are such a rarity these days.