KAMEGAKU

KAMEGAKU Exhibition - Now accepting applications for venues.
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The complete collection of KAMEGAKU is now on sale at bandcamp

●　What is KAMEGAKU?

KAMEGAKU is a fantastic traditional art form that has been passed down from generation to generation in the Kameari area of Katsushika TOKYO.
　　

●　History of KAMEGAKU

Materials related to KAMEGAKU before the Meiji period (1)
KAMEARI FUZOKU EMAKI

Kaei 6th
【The year of Perry's arrival in Japan】

　　From the illustration, I guess that the instruments used were the shamisen and the other was some kind of instrument that was held vertically and blown, like the Hichiriki. It seems to have been played as a Kagura.

Materials related to KAMEGAKU before the Meiji period (2)
Jomon doki

The Jomon-era KAMEGAKU used the turtle as a musical instrument.

Pre-Edo period music to be compared.

SARUGAKU

DENGAKU

NAMAZUGAKU

●　Nishio style KAMEGAKU

　　The founder of the Nishio style of KAMEGAKU was Masakata Nishio (1872-1916).

Born in Higashikanbara-gun, Niigata, he worked for a salt monopoly public corporation. He was later transferred to Fukushima, Kyoto, Kagawa, and other places, where he was exposed to the traditional performing arts of each region, thereby refining his musical background. 　　In 1902, he finally discovered KAMEGAKU. He was so impressed by the impact of the music that he immersed himself in it, and in 1905, he established the Nishio style of KAMEGAKU. In 1905, he founded the Nishio style of KAMEGAKU, which had been in a state of flux due to the lack of a successor. 　　Masakata's KAMEGAKU was strongly influenced by Matsubara taiko, which he encountered when he was transferred to Kagawa. Kagawa must have been a special place for Masakata, an udon lover who later returned to the village of Hayashida, Ayaka-gun, Kagawa , only to be stricken with the plague and never to return home. 　　The second generation was Katsuo Nishio (1904-1962) While working for the Ministry of Telecommunications, he developed Kamegaku, which he inherited from his father. During this period, Kamegaku became more "dance" oriented. Katsuo's "Kamegaku Odori" (Kamegaku dance) dominated the world, and it seemed that KAMEGAKU was safe.

KAMEGAKU ODORI
parading through the town while shaking their heads

You can see how prosperous it was in those days
(at Nagato-machi Hachiman Shrine)

"IWAI KAMEGAKU"
is a standard performance at weddings.

However, the complicated rhythms of KAMEGAKU made it a bit difficult to dance, and as the public began to prefer the more common ondo, KAMEGAKU quickly faded away.

Katsuo (left) contemplating the decline of KAMEGAKU.

　　Yamazaki Shigenosuke (1908-1969) was the man who put a stop to the decline of KAMEGAKU. Shigenosuke was born in Asakusa Saruya-cho, the eldest son of Yamazaki Minosuke (1869-1961), a craftsman who made small drawers out of paulownia and other wood. 　　Shigenosuke was a traditional craftsman with a modern sensibility, and he gave Katsuo the idea of introducing Western instruments such as saxophones and trumpets to KAMEGAKU, which had stalled. This idea helped KAMEGAKU to be reborn as a more lively music and to enter a new phase of its development.

　　Shigenosuke's tune is still performed today, including "Mkoyanagiwara no Shochan Kamegaku.

Shigenosuke's modern sensibility is evident in his attire.
　　

　　Kazumichi Nishio III (1937-) introduced a completely new technique to KAMEGAKU, called "Ondeboke-method," which has been passed down exactly to Ken Nishio IV (1963-).

　　The earliest sound data in existence is "KITASANYA KAMEGAKU," which is thought to have been recorded in the 1950s. The performer is unknown. Although the sound quality is quite poor, the melody is probably played by a soprano saxophone, trumpet, and harmonica.

"KITASANYA KAMEGAKU"

　　"HISAGO KAMEGAKU" recorded around the same time, has a song attached to it, which is unusual for KAMEGAKU of this period. It is widely believed that the "Hisago" in the song is the name of a Izakaya in front of Kenshoji Temple.

"HISAGO KAMEGAKU"

Hisago around 1964 (right: marked by the gourd door) It was in business until recently. At the back left are people and cars waiting at the railroad crossing. At the end of the railroad (at the back of the photo) is Kameari Station.

★　Influence of KAMEGAKU in popular songs

During the heyday of KAMEGAKU, its influence can be seen in the popular songs of the time.

1.　弾連村崎野
This song is played on harmonica, xylophone bells, and piano. It is no exaggeration to say that this is KAMEGAKU itself.

２.　節海淡
This is a Hauta by Maruchi released by Dorkolebonto

３.　箱手玉楽音
It is truly Hakotedama!

★　 SETSUBUN KAMEGAKU and Nishio Yoshihisa Tamotsu

Yoshikubo Yoshihisa Tamotsu (1842-1880), father of Masakata I, was born as a grandson of Kyogoku Hidanomori Naito Murazaemon in Kojimachi, Edo, and adopted by Nishio Mohei Fujiwara Masakatsu of Nihonmatsu domain at 84 days after his birth. During the Boshin War (Battle of Shirakawaguchi), he went to Shirakawaguchi as an artillery officer of Nihonmatsu Domain. After the Boshin War, he changed his family name from Nishio Yoshihisa Fujiwara Tamotsu to Nishio Yoshikubo and moved to Tokyo in 1871 and lived in Igi (present Nishiogikubo) until 1880. During his nine years in Igi, he interacted with many artists and cultural figures. Yoshikubo's interests included music, painting, literature, and antiques, and he was also known as a heavy drinker, reportedly consuming three liters of alcohol a day. It was in this environment that Masakatsu was born.

Every year on Setsubun, he dedicated SETSUBUN KAMEGAKU to Asuka Benzaiten, a CHAHO shrine in Nishiogikubo. He must have had special feelings for the town where he lived until he was eight years old and where he was with his father for a short time. Chaho Shrine disappeared due to a joint shrine enshrinement, and now only an old statue of Benten remains in the Tamayura Shrine Museum in Kameari. In Nihonmatsu, the feudal lord was a member of the Niwa family, and the Setsubun "Oni wa soto" sounded like "niwa soto(Niwa, go outside!)," so they used to say "Oni~soto~" (Oni~soto). In "SETSUBUN KAMEGAKU," the call "Oni~soto~ Oni~soto~ Fuku wa uchi~" is also used.

NISHIO YOSHIHISA TAMOTSU（1842～1880）

Statue of Asuka Benten
(in the collection of Tamayura Shrine Museum)

★　KAMEGAKU ODORI

　　The KAMEGAKU ODORI, invented by Katsuo II, is still performed today as an event for the Peach Festival. The KAMEGAKU ODORI, which is performed without a break from midnight on March 3 to midnight on March 4 every year to the accompaniment of Hinakamegaku, is a well-known spring event in Kameari.

The dance starts from Kenshoji Temple at midnight on March 3 every year. The dance reaches its climax around 10:00 pm

For inquiries, please contact the KAMEGAKU ODORI Executive Committee.

●　Masks for KAMEGAKU ODORI

　The masks used in the KAMEGAKU ODORI are said to have been made by craftsmen who followed the tradition of Sawara papier-mache. Some masks have a combination of a turtle and a tortoise, as shown in the photo above, while others have only a tortoise, as shown in the figure below.

★　HARIGIRI MESHI

In honor of the anniversary of Katsuo II's death on April 16, the Nishio family has a tradition of making and eating "Harigirimeshi" at the beginning of April every year. Since I was a child, I have always made a pun, "Let's go to Harigiri! is a pun that has been drilled into my head since I was a child. The recipe for harigirimeshi can be found on 【Cookpad】

★　HORAFUKI MESHI

In commemoration of the birth of the late Asayo Nishio, wife of Katsuo II and honorary chairman, an event called "Horafukimeshi" is held every year on May 3. The participants sit facing each other or in a circle, and while telling a lie, eat the butterbur rice with great gusto. It is a simple yet strangely uplifting event, and many people look forward to this day with great anticipation. Butterbur rice is made by quickly simmering butterbur and fried bean curd and mixing it with freshly cooked rice. The soup stock is made from dried mutsugoro (dried mutsugoro). The recipe can be found on 【Cookpad】

★　OKINTAMA ODORI

　　The "Okintama Dance" performed throughout the night at the Tamayura Inari Shrine Festival (October), commonly known as the Tamayura Festival, is an autumn tradition in Kameari. The "Tamago Kinchaku" dedicated to Tamayura is a specialty dish made from oden, a good luck charm to celebrate a bountiful harvest. It consists of two quail eggs in a thin broth made of kombu (kelp) and bonito, fried bean curd kinchaku, shimeji mushrooms, chikuwabu, and konbu (tied kelp). The recipe can be found on 【Cookpad】

　

Kotekotei Katsuji (1894-1988), a master of the Okintama dance, was born the eldest son of a kimono shop owner in Kanazawa, but was disowned for his extravagance and joined a traveling troupe of entertainers, which led him to Kitakyushu. There he met and married Kitamikado Teru. Later, he moved to Taiwan, and later returned to Japan with his family after the war ended in Manchuria. Mameyacco is Katsuji's grandson.

Katsuji and Mameyacco in their days

★　Tamayura Stone

　　At the annual festival of Tamayura Inari Shrine, one Tamaotoko is selected from the shrine parishioners each year. Tamaotoko must search for and dedicate a tamayuraishi at the jade beach in Asahimachi, Toyama Prefecture, before the next year's annual festival. It is said that if one touches the tamayuraishi, a child will be born instantly.

Tamayura Inari Shrine

Tamayura Stone

This custom has its origin in the following legend passed down at Tamayura Shrine.

「The Giant Tortoise Turned into Jade」
　　A giant tortoise has lived in the pond of Tamayura Shrine for a long time. One day, a child peed on the giant tortoise that was sunbathing on the shore, and the tortoise died and turned to stone. After that, natural disasters and epidemics occurred one after another in the village, so the god enshrined the stone, prayed for the repose of the giant turtle, and the villagers dedicated a dance to the stone.

★　OFUGURISAN Miyako Kamekame

Miyako Kamekame (1878-1942), a comedian whom the first generation, Masakata, met while working in Kagawa, fell in love with his versatile talent, strongly encouraged him to move to Kameari, and introduced him to the second generation, Katsuo, at the Tamayura Festival. He is the person who perfected the current form of "Ofuguri-san," who appears as a Kyogen-style dancer during Okintama Odori. Today, this art has been passed down by the third generation, Miyako Kamekame (1969-), and continues to develop into an increasingly versatile art.

Miyako Kamekame
(Kameari customs picture scroll)

★　"TAMAKIN" 60 years of dedication

　　Ikeko Nabewatari (69 years old), who has been running Asukame, a small teahouse on the approach to Kameari Tamayura Inari Shrine, has been running the small teahouse "Asukame" on the approach to Kameari Tamayura Inari Shrine for many years. It has been wrapped in a tamakin since then. She not only sells egg purses during the annual festival, but also on a regular basis to people visiting the shrine. One plate is 300yen. A beautifully wrapped drawstring bag, a delicious dish made with carefully selected ingredients and soup stock. Today, too, she calls out to passers-by, saying, "It's delicious. Come have some."

She is loved by the children as "Auntie Tamakin."

★　Tamakin Nyumen

　　Tamago-Kinchaku is a favorite dish that is made and eaten in every household, but it is also popular to eat it as Tamakin Nyumen by boiling it down and making it have a strong flavor.

★　Oichozuke

Every year, on January 7th after the New Year, a turnip competition is held to bet on the best turnips in season. The pickles made using the turnips grown here are popularly known as Oichozuke.
【How to make is posted on Cookpad】

Oichozuke is fermented and has just the right amount of sourness.

★　 Yakushazuke(Actor Pickled)

For some reason, the more radish actors were, the more popular they were during the time when Kamegaku Kabobuki was popular. This actor-zuke was created to capitalize on that popularity. It is a winter specialty made of halved and dried daikon radish pickled in sweet vinegar.
【How to make is posted on Cookpad】

Crispy texture of dried radish

★　Kamegakudondon

Kamegaku Dondon is grilled dondon with minced meat, invented by Katsuo's wife, Asayo. It's a dish that can be used as a snack or a side dish, and its simple taste is popular.
【How to make is posted on Cookpad】

★　Creation of new folk songs from various countries

　　Since the time of the first generation Masakata, new folk songs of the area have been created based on the various themes encountered in the place he was posted. Famous include Barigo Bushi (Kagawa), Genge Bushi (Toyama), Echizen Jellyfish Bushi (Fukui), Hakata Arakue Bushi (Fukuoka), Dango Bushi (Aichi), Doburoku Drunken Song (Niigata), and Blood Donation Song (Kyoto).

Toyama	Genge Bushi
Kagawa	Barigo Bushi
Sado	Hallo Sadogashima
Aichi	Dango Bushi/Umeboshi Song
Fukui	Echizen Jellyfish Bushi
Fukuoka	Hakata Arakue Bushi
Tochigi	Famillie song
Nagasaki	Jazzmoto Kenichi「My Forgotten Thing」
Niigata	Doburoku Drunken Song
Mie	Woman on a Journey
Okinawa	Nice Okinawa
Osaka	Yuurei Ondo
Kyoto	Blood Donation Counting Song
Hokaido	Rakuno ondo
Tokyo	Mushibushi
Tokyo	Kojamoji Ondo

★　Relationship with Ryukyu folk songs

　　Okinawan-style scales are used in the shamisen part of Kitasanya Kamegaku and the melody of Nakanodai Kamegaku. This was an idea actively introduced into Kamegaku by Fuku (1910-1992), the second daughter of the Nigouri sisters, who had a great influence on Kamegaku in the early Showa period and was an active musician herself.

Nigouri sisters: second daughter "Fuku"

　　The Nigouri sisters are the eldest daughter Shizu, the second daughter Fuku, and the third daughter Kiyo. The eldest and third daughters were traveling entertainers who traveled all over the country with performances centered around singing, comedy, and dancing, and it seems that their Ryukyu folk songs were particularly well-received. Her second daughter, Fuku, was in charge of the shamisen and was able to freely play Nagauta, Tokiwazu, and folk songs from various regions, and with her natural sense of pitch and research mind, she was able to make Ryukyu folk songs, which were not very familiar at the time, her own. In 1936, due to the marriage of her second daughter, Fuku, the sisters' entertainment activities came to a halt, although they were much missed. The person she married was the aforementioned joiner Shigenosuke Yamazaki. After the war, she passed away at the age of 82, working as a housewife, occasionally performing as a musician and teaching the shamisen.

Her wipes when she was 82 years old

★Listen with sound 【Fuku around 1982】★
Kamegaku Library
From “Fuku Yamazaki Talks”

★　About the relationship with Chindonya

　　The relationship between Chindonya and KAMEGAKU is still in its infancy, and almost nothing is known about it. There are various views among researchers, such as the theory that KAMEGAKU after the Meiji era was derived from the chindonya "Isamikame" and the theory that chindon and KAMEGAKU are completely unrelated. 　　As for Nishio-style, in the diary of Katsuo the Nidaime, he writes in his childhood that "since I was a boy, I loved theater and activities, and when I heard the sound of a band passing through the town, I couldn't resist hearing it, so I begged my mother to see it every time I came...", so it is likely that he was greatly influenced musically, whether consciously or unconsciously.

Katsuo's Diary

●　Musical characteristics

　Traditional kamegaku is basically instrumental music, so it is usually not accompanied by dancing. The main instruments used today are the saxophone, trumpet, keyboard harmonica, etc., which are mainly responsible for the melody. In addition, drums, various percussion instruments from various countries, shamisen and sanshin are in charge of accompaniment. The music is a simple melody played by two or more instruments in unison, and percussion instruments and shamisen support the rhythm. The melody is gradually improvised and varied, but the method of variation is left to each musician. The rhythm is basically in four beats, but as it is varied, various beats are played by each musician, which gives it its own rhythmic effect. The score currently uses penta-strings, but I will add a turtle at the beginning.

ト音亀号（上）　ヘ音亀号（下）

●　Current Kamegaku

The main turtle songs that are frequently performed in Nishio-style KAMEGAKU are as follows.

Hikihune13Bridges Kamegaku
Nakanodai Kamegaku
Choemon Kamegaku
Kitasanya Kamegaku
Hisago Kamegaku
Sunahara Kamegaku
Iwai Kamegaku
Saitamaya Kamegaku
Hina Kamegaku
Kamegaku Bayashi
Mochitsuki Kamegaku

These are traditional pieces of music that are played in all seasons.

In addition to these traditional songs, many new compositions have also been written. In addition, based on a small amount of materials, we are actively working on the reproduction of old kamegaku. Cheon Chocolin Kamegaku is one of its most representative songs, and it seems that it was often played by vaudeville performers.

　　There are many shamisen classes in the vicinity of Kameari that teach kamegaku as well as long songs, folk songs, and folk songs. In addition, many elementary and junior high schools incorporate kamegaku into their music lessons. Currently, the instructional book used is "Kamegaku Daizen" (5 volumes: written by Katsuo Nishio), but this is a very specialized book and is mainly for Kamegaku masters and kamegaku educators, not for the general public. 　　In the near future, the general public will finally release a Kamegaku instructional book "Let's Kamegaku! vol.1 with shamisen tablature" (written by Ken Nishio).

★　Otsuitachi Kamegaku Porridge

　　On the first day of every month, it is customary for musicians to eat turtle porridge. This is the custom of Matsuo Taisha in Kyoto, which was introduced by the first generation: Masakata, who was posted in Kyoto. Every year, Matsuo Taisha dedicates the moonshine sake "Koshinukanbai" that has been handed down from generation to generation in Nishio-ryu, the god of brewing. 　　Nishio-ryu's kamegaku porridge is quite different from that of Matsuo Taisha. It is made by soaking a little "waist bran" on the white porridge and crushing and scattering the turtle's famous "rock turtle crackers".

Yodaime visiting Matsuo Taisha Shrine (November 12, 2009)

★　Survey of Traditional Performing Arts

Investigating the traditional performing arts of each region is also indispensable for refining the fabricated traditional arts.

Yodaime investigating Taketomi Island (February 2015) ・・・ In front of the monument to the inheritance of traditional performing arts

Yodaime investigating Shirahama, Chiba Prefecture (July 2015) ・・・ In front of the monument of the birthplace of Shirahama Ondo

Dekoyashiki, Fukushima Prefecture (May 2017) - Survey of the Hyotoko Festival

Nanao Tenjin, Nagoya City (June 2017) - Survey related to turtles and Uso

Nishio City (June 2017) - Survey of Kamehime and Tenteko Festival

Uken Village, Amami Oshima (June 2017) - Survey of the Inesuri Dance

Hokkaido (July 2017) - Survey of two cape song monuments

★　About Karl Kameo Shibayama

　　Mr. Shibayama is a third-generation Japanese American living in San Francisco.. he is a Kamegaku researcher researching Kamegaku, which has developed independently in the United States due to immigrants from Japan. He has an interesting analysis of the causal relationship between his name "Kameo" and Kamegaku, as well as "Kameari" and "America".

　　On May 12, 2002, he came to Japan to attend the first joint meeting of the heirs of Kamegaku and researchers, and conducted extensive excavations.

Yodaime accompanying Kameo (left) conducting a survey of the S.F Bay Area (June 2001)

★　Congratulations Kamegaku

　　In May 2005, for the first time since the end of World War II, a celebratory kamegaku was performed at a certain place. At a wedding, a congratulatory kamegaku is a style of playing several congratulatory kamegaku in succession, accompanied by a special dance. Due to the complicated structure and the large scale of the performance, it was rarely played, but the elderly people in the venue said, "Oh, nostalgic" for the first time in a long time.

As it was the first time since the end of World War II, the press was also packed

Elderly people smiling with nostalgia

The wedding party reaches its climax at once

　　In November 2009, at a wedding party, Mameyacco also performed the virtuosity of "Nanjing Bean Sudare". On this day, the celebration kamegaku was a combination of "celebration kamegaku" and "barigobushi" and was lively as a celebratory song related to the bride and groom.

　　In May 2012, a congratulatory message at a wedding party "Nanjing Bean Sudare", "Celebration Kameraku", "Okintama Dance", "Barigo Bushi" Also performed with the groom's trumpet.

　　 In December 2013, a congratulatory speech at a wedding reception "Nanjing Bean Sudare", "Celebration Kamegaku", "Barigo Bushi", "Okintama word of mouth"

　　In February 2019, congratulatory words at the Nishiogi joint wedding reception "Celebration Kamegaku", "Nanjing Bean Sudare", "Nishiogi SAGA Jinku", "Barigo Bushi" "The Sound of the Heavenly Flute" and "Okintama Odori" Performers: Yodaime, Mameyacco, Hirousu

★　Nishio-style Kamegaku "Great Forgery Exhibition" held

Planning and Supervision 【Ken Nishio, Yusuke Kawamura】
Cooperation 【Sayo Sakamaki】

In August 2014, Nishio-style Kamegaku's "Great Forgery Exhibition" was held at Koenji GOODMAN. This time, a large exhibition including valuable materials that were unveiled for the first time was crowded with many people. At the event, fabricated secret sake "Koshi Nukanbai" was served, and there was also a competition with Yanagiya Koharu for the Yodaime.

Inkstone for Masakata's favorite

The Book of Nanjing Beans Sudare

Scene from the venue

★　The 2nd "Forgery Exhibition" was held

　　In December 2014, the second "Forgery Exhibition" was held at Higashi-Nakano Momogarten. This time, the fabricated specialty dish "Tamago Kinchaku" was offered as a special menu. Chanky Matsumoto, a paper cutter and Marukin, Mameyacco, and Yodaime appeared at the year-end banquet, and at the Kamegaku listening party, we enjoyed delicious sake and snacks while listening to fabricated sound sources for four hours.

Scene from the venue

★　The 3rd "Forgery Exhibition" was held

In February 2015, the third "Forgery Exhibition" was held at the Nishiogi Information Center. There were events such as a reproduction of Setsubun Kamegaku, sowing beans, and a commemorative concert, and the famous "Tamago Kinchaku", Shinkame(sake), 12-year-old dragon tea, and turtle rice crackers were also served, making it a fun week.

The scene of the Setsubun Kamegaku dedication
(Nishiogi Information Center Diary)

Scene of the Kamegaku concert
(Nishiogi Information Center Diary)

Scene from the venue

Turtle peanuts with lots in a drawstring were sown

★　The 4th "Forgery Exhibition" was held

In commemoration of the opening of the Kamegaku exhibition and the release of the Great Complete Works, a number of fabricated arts were performed under the title of "New Year's Song Beginning Good Luck Kamegaku Votive Vaudeville", which excited the audience of more than 60 people.

Nagoya's secret art "Kinshachi" by Marukin, Mameyacco 「Kappore Kamegaku」
【Lucky Kamegaku Vaudeville Performance】 ≪1≫ 1. Kamegagaku 2. Celebration 3. Greetings from the Yodaime 4. "Paper Cutting" Miyako Kamekame 5. Ett (song) 6. Picture-story show "The Great turtle Who　Became Jade" (Narrator: Kei) 7. "It's Macho" Chanky Matsumoto ≪2≫ 1.　「Ai no Kosenjo」　Hana Mizuki 2.　「Kojamoji Ondo」　Yodaime　 3.　「Kappore Kamegaku」　Marukin　mameyacco　Yodaime 4.　「Shakuhachi and Shirayuri」 5.　「Kin no Shachihoko」　Marukin　mameyacco 6.　「Barigo Bushi」 7.　「Oyakatasama」　Miyako Kamekame 8.　「Okintama odori」　 -------------------------- 　　「Nigouri no Hana saku Asakusa de」

★　The 5th "Forgery Exhibition" was held

It was held on February 1~7, 2016 at the Nishiogi Information Center. This time, the "Subo Sake Ceremony" was held three times during the period. For details, please see the report of the information center director, who is also a Kamegaku researcher.

★　The 6th "Forgery Exhibition" was held

It was held on March 11~14, 2016 at Takao Gourd House. This time, during the period, the preparation of the fake moonshine "Koshi Nukanbai" was released along with the brewing song.

★　The 7th "Forgery Exhibition" was held

It was held on December 1~11, 2016 at Momogarten in Higashinakano for the first time in two years. On December 4th, "New Year's Forgotten Kamegaku" will be held. Ojarus No.1 , Sayo Sakamaki , Koharu Yanagiya , Chanky Matsumoto, Various tricks were performed, and the audience was excited. The dish of the day is a special menu "Yodaime made Tamago Kinchaku", as well as Momogarten's special "Wa-kame Inari".

★　 "Setsubun Kamegaku Votive Theater" was held

On February 3, 2017, the "Setsubun Kamegaku Votive Theater" was held at the Sky Blue Song Ball in Nagoya. In addition to the Yodaime, Mameyacco, Marukine, Ett, KOI (Marimo), Frankaz Nagai and Mashina Orketsudas will appear There were performances of bean sprinkling, okintama dance, magic and ventriloquism. The special menu of the day is "Written by the owner, Tani, Magatamago Kinchaku".

★The 8th "Kamegaku Exhibition" was held

On April 5~16, 2017, the exhibition "Kamegaku" was held at Gallery "Linden" in Aoba-ku, Yokohama. During the period, Kamegaku festival days and live performances were held, and many peaple visited and enjoyed the fabricated world.

★　Continued: Nishiogi Information Center "Kamegaku Yose" held

On November 22, 2017, "Kamegaku Yose" was held at My Road under the Nishiogi overpass. Over the course of 18:30~22:30, various performers perform a variety of tricks. The large audience was intoxicated.

Appearance order

Children's Kamegaku + Mameyacco
Hajigoten, Junko
Sayoppe + Marukine
Momokawa Atabo + Yanagiya Koharu
Zenpukujigoro and Himanandez

SAGA Sisters
Tsukitaro
Yanagiya Koharu
Ojarus
Sobobuki
Chanky Matsumoto
Yodaime

Children's Kamegaku

Night Club KAME

Sayoppe

mime de kappore

Zenpukujigoro and Himanandez

SAGA Sisters

Tsukitaro

Yanagiya Koharu

Ojarus

Sobobuki

Sobobuki+α

Chanky Matsumoto

Okintama odori

★Kamegaku Exhibition Commemorative
"Otonagi Kamegaku Tenjin Yose"

On March 23~25, 2018, "Kamegaku Yose" was held at Otonagi, Osaka. This is the first time that I have been to the Kamegaku exhibition and Kamegaku vaudeville in Osaka. Over the course of three days, a variety of performers performed a number of tricks The audience in Osaka was intoxicated.

performer

　Ett
　Chanky Matsumoto
　Tomari
　mameyacco
　Sobobuki
　Modern DJ Special Collection (Atsuhiko Takemura)
　Dick Nagakute (ventriloquism)
　Yodaime

exhibition

Day 1 "Tomari"

Special Menu "Fabricated Traditional Cuisine Set Meal"

Day 2 "Ett"

Day 3 "Grand denouement"

★Negishi Sora Juku "Kamegaku Festival"

On November 13, 2021, the "Kamegaku Festival" was held at Sora Juku in Negishi, Taito-ku. It's been a long time since I've been to a Kamegaku exhibition in the suburbs of Tokyo. Invite Koharu Yanagiya as a guest and lively.

Koharu and Harukichi first appearance

Zubonbo Kamegaku

Kinoko kamenoko nokonoko rice

Tamago Kinchaku

★Negishi Sorajuku “Kamegaku Yose”

“Kamegaku Yose” was held at Negishi Sorajuku, Taito Ward, which will be demolished by the end of March 2022. Continuing from last time, we invited Koharu Yanagiya as a guest and it was lively.

Koharu and Harukichi　Kameshiki Sanbasou

Zubonbo Kamegaku

★　Nagoya and Kamegaku

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Nachin Hasegawa (1983-)
Born in Hyogo Prefecture One of his books is ``Folklore of Qianjin Ilu Li'' (Aloe Publishing).

　　Local folklore researcher Nachin Hasegawa's book ``Folklore of Maegami Iro-ri'' (Aloe Publishing) includes a description of the vast number of ozashiki songs that he heard and recorded from geishas in Nagoya. One of these poems, ``Yattokamegaku,'' contains valuable lines that prove the close relationship between Nagoya, Kamegaku, and even the Oku-Mikawa Flower Festival. It is clear that the turtle-shaped decorations and zazechi displayed in the center of the New Year's Kamegaku Festival are imitations of the Oku-Mikawa Flower Festival. One can strongly sense the desire of Masakata and his colleagues to incorporate the primitive dynamism of festivals and the atmosphere of a colorful red-light district into Kamegaku, which was on the verge of extinction.

★Joetsu and Sadogashima with Mr. Nachin
~A journey to trace the origins of Kamegaku~

In April 2017, Yodaime visited Joetsu and Sadogashima with Professor Nachin Hasegawa in search of the origins of Kamegaku. A meeting will be held at the famous local restaurant ``Gangitei'' with experts to exchange opinions on Joetsu, a place associated with Goze, and the influence of Kadozukegei on Gakko.

At Gangi-tei in Joetsu (2017/4/23)

Furthermore, he took a boat from Naoetsu to Sado/Ogi Port and investigated the living performing arts and culture of Sadogashima, where a variety of folk performing arts still remain today. I realized various things that support Mr. Nachin's theory.

Sado/Yajima Kyoujima (2017/4/24)

It is said that the unique undulations created by the rhythm of rowing a tarai boat gave rise to the complex kuraku time signature. Mr. Nachin and Yodaime try to experience the swell.

At Hojobo, Sado (2017/4/25)

Article published in Yomiuri Shimbun Niigata edition (2017/4/26)

★　 Trip to Amami Oshima to visit Takao Morishima

June 2017, I visited Mr. Morishima, who plays, makes, and sells Amami harp.

Yodaime:　"I'm doing fake traditional arts."
Mr. Morishima:　“I like fakes. I’m fake too.”

★Searching for the traditional Kamegaku on the Big Island of Hawaii

In December 2017, I visited the Big Island of Hawaii in search of Kamegaku, which is said to have been passed down secretly by Japanese immigrants who came to the Big Island from Kameari. A rainbow greets me right away. Is it a good omen?

They visited Kapaau, a town in the north of the island where the statue of King Kamehameha is located, and Hilo, a town in the east, and began research.

Also investigated at the temple of Honomu.

Having learned that it is still being played and passed down in the town of Papaaroa, I headed there immediately. Luckily there was a live show going on that day. The performance, which unites with the audience, is proof that Kamegaku is being passed down vividly in a different form.

I also thanked the turtle and ended my trip.

★Visit the strange Tenteko Festival

January 3, 2019 I visited the strange Tenteko Festival in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture.

This festival is said to have started during the Heian period. It was a very quiet festival.

★Subozake Ceremony


A ritual to ward off evil spirits devised by the founder Masakata, who loved delicacies. He makes sake with dried warasubo that he ordered from Yanagawa, and lights it on fire to make blue flames rise to ward off evil spirits. It is held regardless of the season. The song ``Warasubo warasubo wakenoshinnosu kuyashikaro kuyashikaro'' is sung repeatedly. [How to make is posted on Cookpad]

★　"Kamegaku Doll Kabobuki" Revival Preparatory Committee Established

　　This time, in order to revive the phantom performing art "Kamegaku Puppet Kabobuki" that survived until the end of the Edo period, we have decided to launch the "Kamegaku Puppet Kabobuki" Revival Preparation Committee. The committee is composed of experts in various fields and is responsible for the reconstruction of the committee based on an accurate examination of history and a multifaceted perspective. 　　Regular meetings will be held on the 1st of every month in conjunction with Otsuitachi Kamegaku, and urgent and important issues will be discussed on the bulletin board at any time. 　　In addition, around May 2003, preparations are being made for the realization of a trial performance of Kamegaku Puppet Kabobuki.

chairman
Kamegaku Yodaime Ken Nishio
committee member

Japan Puppet Theater Association Secretary General Naoshi Osawa
Editor-in-chief of the monthly magazine "Fake Traditional Performing Arts" Shinichiro Daizo (Kora Publishing)
Hyakukayama City Chamber of Commerce President Ohnoya Taiheiyou
Kora Publishing Editorial Department, Public Relations Officer, Kasai Yoshino
Chef Kashiwade Tsurumai
Fifth generation Minowa-ryu Kumano-mae Yukaku
Address undecided, unemployed Hei-chan in the park (common name)
Ethnomusic researcher Goto Sharmin
Chairman of the Kamegaku Support Association, Minui Shiohama
Kamegaku Researcher Karl Shibayama (USA)
Instruction in the Correct Tone Kamegaku Singing Technique Sudo Mayumi
Japanese Hose Appraiser Matt Sumoto
Treasure Revue Company, Yume Gumi Yu Sunba
JPuppet Theater Doshinza
Rural Performing Arts Research Abiko Sangyo University Lecturer Tonegawa Tanbo
Chairman of the Kameari Provisional Autonomous Region, Auditor of the Purse Seine Preservation Association Takashi Nagai
Calligrapher Meisen Fujinoki
Dance Furumaki Ryu Iemoto Furumaki Kaoru
Gakko Mameyacco
Rakugo artist Ikkin Yanagiya
Puppet Wang Liyu (China)

Revival! Kameraku Puppet Kabobuki

　　On February 1, 2007, the revival performance of Kamegaku Puppet Kabobuki was finally realized. The place is a live house called "Koen-dori Classics" in Shibuya. The performers are "Jun Imura and Friends", and the two performances are "Who Likes Sakura" and "Doten", and the four musicians are Niko Ei, Kenichi Matsumoto, Keita Ito, and the Yodaime. From the opening "Celebration Kamegaku" to "Nakagawa Tsutsumi Hanami Kamegaku", "Hisago Kamegaku" and "Kitasanya Kamegaku", the large crowd was intoxicated by the first encounter between puppet theater and Kamegaku in a century.

Mr. Kawasaki Puppe


Sandaime, who had a relationship with Mr. Puppe, had planned to revive the Kameraku Puppet Kabobuki based on Mr. Puppe's puppets, but it was derailed by Mr. Puppe's sudden death in 1978. The plan was finally realized in 2007 with the cooperation of Jun Imura (1932-2013). Above photo is Mr. Puppe and the Yodaime (around 1967) Below is Mr. Puppe's "Picky-chan" (1959 TBS TV puppet show)

★　Kamegaku Kabobuki

　　Until the early Showa period, the play "Kamegaku Kabobuki", which replaced the Kamegaku puppet Kabobuki with a human being, was performed in the vicinity of Kameari while folklore, as well as rural kabuki. On the left of the photo is "Paulownia chest of drawers, a place to say goodbye to daughters and children". On the right is the troupe before the performance. The standard "Katsuji Ichidai" is served. It was performed at shrine festivals. At the beginning and end of the play, "Kamegaku bayashi" is always played. (Both are around Showa 10)

★　Kamekichi Kato (1891~1974) and mochitsuki

Kamekichi around 1957

　　The year-end tradition of making mochi to go along with the lively "Mochitsuki Kamegaku", without it, the year of Kameari would not be over. Singers who sing mochitsuki kamegaku are limited to women over 60 years old, and mochi is only made by men over 60 years old. 　　It is said that the mochi made by the legendary mochi master Kamekichi Kato had a perfect balance of strain, luster, and flavor. The mochi is stretched into a rectangular shape and then cut with a knife, so it has more soft sides than normal stretched mochi. It is said that Kamekichi always came to Tokyo from Fukushima at the end of the year and served the people with his splendid rice cakes. Asayo, the wife of Katsuo the Second, is a farmer in Matsukawa Town, Fukushima Prefecture, and Asayo is the youngest of nine sisters. Kamekichi is the son-in-law of Asayo's eldest sister, and he is truly an unsung chikara mochi who supported Kamegaku by financially supporting the predicament of Katsuo and Asayo many times.

★　Musume Kamegaku

Yamadayuu

　　Until the Showa 40s, "Musume Kamegaku" captivated young men and cultural figures, and became a social phenomenon. Far from his daughter-in-law, most of the performances were held on the streets, and the audience at the time danced wildly as the daughter Kame Musician sang with an expression of anguish that was too inappropriate for her age. When the song reaches its climax, the audience shouts "Dowshite~Doshite~" and rushes to the climax.

★　Kamegaku Records

　Kamegaku Records was established to record historically valuable sound sources and new Kamegaku that were produced one after another. In addition to reissues of privately recorded sound sources and current Kamegaku, we plan to provide you with CDRs that transcend the boundaries of modern lively performing arts. Please look forward to!

CDR Catalog

single

NEW RELEASE! "Nishiogi no Yo ~ Culvert Night ~ / CW Cha Cha Cha Asuka" Zenpukujigoro and Himanandez ￥500
"Positive Genge Bushi"	"Nakagawa Tsutsumi Hanami Kamegaku" Chiimaru
"Memorial version of Barrigo Bushi" Chiimaru	"Asakusa with Nigouri Blossoms" Heisei Nigouri Sisters

album

Kameari Fabrication Traditional Art Nishio-ryu "The Complete Works of Kamegaku" Supervised by Yodaime ￥1500	A bargain edition that combines a two-disc set of a large collection into one. Comes with a booklet. Click here to purchase
kame-gaku 「OKINTAMAODORI」￥2500	2-disc live CD set made for overseas markets. A dream co-star of a gorgeous performer who is excited about the present! By Koharu Yanagiya, Sayoppe, Ojarus No.1, Chanky Matsumoto, Mameyacco, and Yodaime 2016/12/4 Live recording of the Kamegaku vaudeville at Momogarten
The only Orugorinist in the world 「MAMEYACCO」￥2500	After all, it was made for overseas, and it is a leader album of Mameyacco as an orgolin player.
Kameari Fabrication Traditional Art Nishio-ryu ￥2500 [ Kamegaku Taizen ] Supervised by Yodaime ￥2500	A deluxe edition of a two-disc set (50 songs in total) that covers almost all existing Kamegaku. The sound quality is poor, but it is a valuable sound source.
Kameari Fabrication Traditional Art Nishio Ryu Kamegaku Library "Fuku Yamazaki Talks" Supervised by Yodaime ￥1500	round 1983, a valuable sound source of the fourth generation when he interviewed Fuku Yamazaki.
Kameari Fabrication Traditional Art Nishio Ryu Kamegaku Library "Katsuo Love Listening Songs" Supervised by Yodaime ￥1500	A valuable sound source selected mainly from Katsuo's favorite listening record SP record.

●　Gakko

　In Kamegaku, the women who perform songs and dances are called gakko. Gakkos who belong to Kamegaku Records are all selected masters who have undergone rigorous training. Please look forward to their future activities. Their schedule is managed entirely by "Kameya"

Mameyacco	Nikoei	Yuriyacco	Chiimaru
Katsura	Wakayacco	Hisanosuke	Marukin
Tsukitarou	Sayoppe	Hirousu

●The Beginning of Gakko

　Kameari, which was a farming village, eventually had factories such as Hitachi, Sankyo, and Japan Paper Industry, and when the town became lively with a large number of employees and restaurants and amusement parks began to bustle, it is said that amateurs were prepared to perform kamegaku at banquets and other events. They are different from geisha in that they are amateurs.

★　Kamegaku Gakuin Student Recruitment

General Course	Specialized Music Teacher Course
This course is for those who want to enjoy Kamegaku casually.	This course is for those who aim to become a professional kamegaku.
1．Private Lessons 2．Practical training	1. Basic Theory of Improvisational Music 2. Fabrication technique 3. Historical research on Kamegaku 4. Kameari Area Studies 5. Musical Instrument Lessons 6. Unsung Mr./Ms. Practice 7. Composition method 8. Kamegakushi Completion Certification Examination
Admission Fee　：　None	Admission Fee　：　None
Tuition fee: 1 lesson (1h) 1000yen (+ studio fee + transportation fee) (Correspondence course is free)	Tuition fee: 1 lesson (2h) 4000yen (+ studio fee + transportation fee) (Correspondence course is free)

Kamegaku Gakuin Kameari Main Campus
Only our school has a gifted education course from 3 years old.

Ekoda Campus

Yokohama Campus

Soka School

Kyoto Seiin School opened on November 9, 2009

Beware of the unscrupulous "Kamegaku Class"!

　　Recently, there has been an increase in the number of unscrupulous classes that carry the sign of Kamegaku classes and charge high training fees and teaching materials. Currently, the only school that is recognized as Kamegaku is Nishio-ryu, so when choosing a master, please be sure to check whether or not he is qualified as a Nishio-ryu Kamegakushi.

★Chiimaru unveiling


Academy graduate Chiimaru will make his debut at Nakagawa Tsutsumi Ohanami Kamegaku. Thank you for your continued support. ⇒Listen
Chiimaru Profile Born in Kumamoto Prefecture in 1974. After graduating from high school, she moved to Tokyo. She aspired to become an R&B singer, but was frustrated. Around the time he decided to return to his hometown, she met Kamegaku and became a student of the academy. "The first time I heard it, I thought, this is my music! That's what I felt." (Personal Interview) After that, her natural ability as a turtle musician blossomed in the blink of an eye. In March 2004, after completing the entire course of the professional music master's course, she made her debut as an exclusive singer of Kamegaku Records at the same time as "Hanayaka Hanayaka".

Congratulatory message from Mameyacco 　　Dear Chiimaru Congratulations on your graduation. I'm really happy to hear that it's already debuting. It was worth the effort without giving up. Chii-chan's hard work and talent have been remarkable since I met him. It is a talent that is suitable for carrying the traditional music of Kamegaku. I'm looking forward to your future success! 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Mameyacco