August 10th: Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Awa Odori

Last year, I came to watch Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Awa Odori with a friend. That I was able this year to join in the festival with a shamisen under my arm felt a little strange, but I was very happy.

I've felt very strongly attached to Shimokitazawa since I was at college. After I joined Tokyo Ebisuren and found we would be performing there, I was secretly delighted!

Holding dearly to my excitement as the festival approached, it was a constant battle against soaring temperatures and pouring sweat. However, it was also my first chance to perform alongside "Takechan" who's mentored me since I first began.

The spectators in this most beloved of towns were much closer than I'd imagined, and their smiles were absolutely infectious!

I'm still not able to play the shamisen very well, but I'm delighted to have the opportunity to perform and sweat on the festival stage. I also love how with all the different festivals we attend, it's such a great opportunity to meet and converse with new people.

Thank you everyone for your hard work. We still have Koenji Awa Odori to look forward to at the end of August. I'll be hard at work preparing for that!
by H.S


Photo: Tokyobling