The three songs performed at the “Wa-no (Japanese) Stage” event held at GUNEI Mishima Hall on June 9, 2024 have been uploaded to YouTube.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people involved who made this such a valuable opportunity possible. Thank you very much.

Vocal: Nami Fukumura
Tsugaru Shamisen: Riki Yamaguchi
A. Guitar: Ryusuke Seto
A. Bass: Taiyo Yoshida

Nasu Yumomi Uta

Yumomi (stirring the hot spring water) is a tradition that has been continued in Nasu Onsen since the Taisho era. This time, I arranged the “Nasu Yumomi Uta” that is sung during the Yumomi.

Sougo Kuyo Wasan

The second song was the Goeika (hymn) “Sougo Kuyo Wasan” which I had wanted to perform together someday ever since I first heard it several years ago.

Goeika was born about 1300 years ago on the pilgrimage. At the time, it was a life-risking journey, forging your way through paths that didn’t exist and visiting shrines. During such a journey, there were times when people felt disheartened and thought, “Maybe I can’t do this. My journey has already ended here.” What lifted my spirits at such times was the Goeika.

Shiobara Kouta

Shiobara Kouta was written by Izumi Yotaro (real name Tashiro Taihei, 1908-1996) and composed by folk song researcher Fujii Kiyomi (1889-1944), and was released in 1929.

Izumi Yotaro was a disciple of the poet Noguchi Ujo, so this time we arranged a medley of “Shabondama (Soap Bubble)” and “Nana-tsu no Ko (Seven Chicks)” from songs written by Noguchi Ujo.

It was a truly refreshing experience to perform with players I don’t usually have a chance to work with. I hope this will be an opportunity to open up a new world to me.

The songs I arranged this time are available on the following website, so if you’re interested, please take a look.

Lead Sheet

[Nasu Yumomi Uta]
https://store.piascore.com/scores/270482

[Sougo Kuyo Wasan]
https://store.piascore.com/scores/270854