My first time with the 'okama' mask
「現在の日本はスターバックスやマクドばかりで、伝統の日本の面影さえなくなった」と言う声が良くある。
はい、はい。
２３日は上山田温泉を守る波閉科神社の秋月際でした。
我々神楽保存会の皆が朝１０時から夜１０時まで町中で行列して回りました。(途中で私は布団引きの休憩をとりましたが…） とにかく、長い一日でした。
獅子舞は私が基本的に横笛ですが、今年は私が３回に獅子の中に入りました。練習不足で下手だったけど、人の前で配流の初体験だったので、嬉しかった。
昔ながらの日本はどこにあるか分からない方が間違えっている所で探しているのだ。
"Modern Japan is all Starbucks and Mickey D's," is a commonly heard complaint.
On the 23rd, the shrine that overlooks Kamiyamada Onsen, Habeshina Jinja, held its 'Shugetsu-sai' (Harvest Moon Festival) in conjunction with the autumnul equinox. The lion dance troupe that I participate in performed all day long, starting at 10am and finishing at 10pm. We processed around town stopping at various homes and businesses to do the lion dance.
Normally my position is that of flute player. But occasionally during practice I take a turn inside the shishi lion, and this day I gave the regulars a break and 3 times took a place inside the lion -- my first time in front of an audience!
I felt honored to be able to partake in this very historical and traditional festival.
Perhaps the people that can't see the old Japan in today's modern facade just don't know where to look!
The grand-finale: a lantern-lit lion dance
Habeshina Shrine's sumo ring...
...and the wrestlers on their way to it.
