Born in Shimotsui, the "Shimotsui-bushi," said to be a representative folk song of Okayama Prefecture.
The Shimotsui-bushi, which has been passed down since the Edo period in Shimotsui, is also recognized as a cultural property of the Japan Heritage "A different world entwined with the dreams of men who overcame the stormy seas - The Northern Front Ship Port and Shipowner Settlement."
Every September, a national competition for the Shimotsui-bushi is held, but the number of participants has been decreasing year by year, and the participation of younger generations is also declining.
Now that folk songs are facing a crisis of survival nationwide, activities to pass on the Shimotsui-bushi to the next generation have begun in Shimotsui.
We will introduce the thoughts of those who inherit the Shimotsui-bushi and their future prospects.
What is Shimotsui-bushi
The Shimotsui-bushi is a folk song that has been passed down since the Edo period.
Once, Shimotsui, a port of call for the Northern Front ships, was a lively town where merchants from all over Japan gathered. Many exchanges occurred between the crew of the Northern Front ships and the people of Shimotsui, and the popular songs conveyed among them were arranged in a Shimotsui style, giving birth to the Shimotsui-bushi.
The Shimotsui-bushi began to be sung when entertaining the crew, gradually becoming established in Shimotsui while incorporating various trends.
At that time, the Shimotsui-bushi had no fixed lyrics and was said to be a free folk song that reflected the individuality of the singer.
The Shimotsui-bushi has been naturally passed down as part of the lives of the people of Shimotsui. It is said that during school sports days, children would also perform the Shimotsui-bushi along with dances.
However, as time has progressed and music has diversified, opportunities to engage with folk songs themselves have been decreasing. Currently, the shortage of successors for traditional performing arts, including folk songs, is a challenge across Japan, and the Shimotsui-bushi is no exception.
Activities for Inheriting Shimotsui-bushi
In Shimotsui, activities to preserve and pass on the Shimotsui-bushi have become active in recent years.
The "Shimotsui-bushi" in the inheritance activities refers not only to the song and accompaniment as a folk song but also includes the dance (folk dance) as part of the regional culture.
In 2024, the first attempt of the "Shimotsui Evening Lights" was held. It is a festival where the songs and dances of the Shimotsui-bushi are showcased in the Shimotsui Townscape Preservation Area, which retains the atmosphere of the past.
Before the Shimotsui Evening Lights began, there were only 5 people who knew the choreography of the Shimotsui-bushi. In a situation where not only the song but also the dance was on the verge of extinction, the local people united and worked on its inheritance.
On the day of the event, many more spectators than expected visited Shimotsui, and it closed successfully.
The Shimotsui Evening Lights will continue to be held as an annual festival.
Furthermore, with the regularization of the Shimotsui Evening Lights, the opportunities for activities related to the Shimotsui-bushi are gradually increasing.
- Holding "Shimotsui-bushi Akademii"
- Conducting kimono dressing workshops
- Showcasing at city events centered around Kojima
- Participating in classes at elementary schools in Shimotsui
Among the various activities, particularly noteworthy is the "Shimotsui-bushi Akademii," where you can easily experience the Shimotsui-bushi.
Not only can you experience the song of the Shimotsui-bushi, but you can also try your hand at the dance and shamisen performance. It is easy for beginners to participate, and it is said that about 20 people have joined the Shimotsui Evening Lights after being inspired by the "Shimotsui-bushi Akademii."
Future events will also be held, so if you are interested, please check the Shimotsui Evening Lights Instagram.
The central figure in the activities to inherit the Shimotsui-bushi is folk singer Tsumoto Yukari.
She is the initiator of a series of activities. We spoke with Tsumoto about her feelings towards the Shimotsui-bushi and the future prospects of the inheritance activities.
