Interview with folk singer Tsumoto Yukari
We interviewed folk singer Tsumoto Yukari about the activities to inherit Shimotsui-bushi.
Tsumoto Yukari is from Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture.
She won the 25th Shimotsui-bushi National Competition in 2010 and is currently serving as a judge. Shimotsui-bushi was the first folk song taught to her by her master.
Background of the activities to inherit Shimotsui-bushi
Is there a reason why the number of people who know Shimotsui-bushi, which has been passed down for about 150 years, has decreased?
Tsumoto
Personally, I believe it is due to the decline in the population of folk song singers and aging.
The population decline is clearly reflected in the numbers, as the participants in the Shimotsui-bushi National Competition held every September have been decreasing year by year.
When I participated in 2010, there were about 200 participants, but by 2024, it had decreased to below 80. Furthermore, the number of participants in the youth and young adult categories has significantly decreased, while the number in the senior category has increased. I felt a strong sense of crisis that new bearers are not coming in.
There are people across the country who can sing folk songs as a hobby, not just Shimotsui-bushi. However, I think it has been difficult for those in that age group to actively share their experiences on social media, leading to fewer opportunities for young people to learn about it.
What prompted the activities to inherit Shimotsui-bushi that you are leading?
Tsumoto
The main reason was my anxiety.
As a hobby, I visit festivals across Japan. While some festivals are becoming more vibrant year by year, there are also festivals that say, "This is the last year," and end. It is not uncommon for festivals that have continued for hundreds of years to suddenly disappear.
When I witnessed the moment when such history ends, I felt a sense of urgency and crisis that Japan's traditional culture is being lost.
When I thought about what I could do while I am still able, the first thing that came to mind was to inherit the familiar Shimotsui-bushi. Since there were still people who could teach it, I thought, "It's not too late! Now is the time!"
Did the people of Shimotsui also feel a sense of crisis like you?
Tsumoto
It seems that many people felt that "we have to do something." However, since there are many elderly people, it was difficult for them to actually take action.
So, when I started the activities to inherit Shimotsui-bushi, I received many positive words from local people like "Please do it" and "Thank you for doing this," which encouraged me.
Continuing to sing Shimotsui-bushi was something that the community desired. I realized that Shimotsui-bushi is an important presence for everyone.
Opportunities for anyone to easily engage
Is there a difference between Shimotsui-bushi now and in the past?
Tsumoto
Shimotsui-bushi was originally a song with a high degree of freedom, where the way of singing varied by person. Therefore, compared to the past, I think the current Shimotsui-bushi has fixed lyrics and is well organized.
I am someone who wants to step outside the mold a bit, so I intentionally change the tempo of Shimotsui-bushi at the Shimotsui Evening Lights to a slower pace. I wanted to create an atmosphere where one can feel a gentle charm and elegance.
Shimotsui-bushi at the Shimotsui Evening Lights can only be heard on the event day, so I hope many people will come to listen.
Was the first activity you undertook the Shimotsui Evening Lights?
Tsumoto
Yes. However, it was not just an activity for that day; we also practiced singing and dancing with local people in preparation for the performance and held practice sessions to increase the number of members.
In the future, I hope to carry out activities to promote Shimotsui-bushi throughout the year, culminating in a presentation at the Shimotsui Evening Lights.
Please tell us about "Shimotsui-bushi Akademii."
Tsumoto
"Shimotsui-bushi Akademii" is a workshop where anyone can participate and experience Shimotsui-bushi. You can experience singing, dancing, and playing instruments.
I think that suddenly dancing at a festival can feel like a high hurdle, so I started this with the hope that people would first enjoy Shimotsui-bushi casually.
Since starting "Shimotsui-bushi Akademii," the number of people participating in the Shimotsui Evening Lights has also increased.
Further enhancing the value of Shimotsui-bushi
Where can we enjoy Shimotsui-bushi?
Tsumoto
Currently, the only guaranteed opportunity to see it is at the Shimotsui Evening Lights, which is scheduled to be held every October. We also have opportunities to perform at events in Kojima.
In the future, I would like to hold regular performances so that people can say, "If you go here, you can definitely see Shimotsui-bushi." I want to enhance its value so that people would be willing to pay to see it.
Indeed, funding is also important for continuing activities.
Tsumoto
That's right. Inheriting traditional culture is difficult to create an economic structure for.
Just "singing is fun" cannot sustain activities in the long term, so we need to build a foundation to gather funds to continue our activities stably.
As one of those efforts, we are planning merchandise, starting with original hand towels for Shimotsui-bushi.
Since there are choreographies in the current Shimotsui-bushi that use hand towels, I hope people will purchase them and dance along. We plan to sell them at souvenir shops in Kojima in the future.
Increasing the number of people connected to Shimotsui-bushi and preserving it for the future
What do you think is the charm of Shimotsui-bushi?
Tsumoto
I can think of various aspects, but first and foremost, Shimotsui-bushi itself is a central presence that connects the town and people, and people to people.
In today's world, population decline and aging are issues nationwide, and I honestly think it is difficult to change that situation. So, how can we make the region exciting and positive in that context... I believe Shimotsui-bushi plays a role in that.
I feel that Shimotsui-bushi has the potential to be a catalyst to revitalize the community, and I want to make that happen.
What is the significance of Shimotsui-bushi for the local people?
Tsumoto
When I talk to local people, I feel that Shimotsui-bushi is a part of their lives and a memory of their hometown.
As a newcomer, I speak from an outsider's perspective, saying, "The Shimotsui-bushi has history, depth, and is truly wonderful." However, for those who were born and raised in Shimotsui, it seems they are unaware of its charm, as it is often said that "the darkest place is under the lamp."
That said, I also feel that this is how local culture tends to be.
I would be happy if this activity serves as a trigger for the locals to rediscover the charm of Shimotsui-bushi.
Please tell us about your future prospects.
Tsukamoto
First of all, I want to increase opportunities to showcase Shimotsui-bushi without causing excessive congestion in the town with large crowds. To continue this for a long time, I will work on improvements while moving forward.
In terms of connections, the Shimotsui area is surprisingly large, so I would like to expand the circle of Shimotsui-bushi to those who live further away from the center.
Finally, I want to increase the number of supporters for Shimotsui-bushi from outside.
Rather than to facilitate activities smoothly, I want them to engage in promoting Shimotsui-bushi as fans.
For example, I hope people can enjoy Shimotsui-bushi from a fan's perspective, such as "I love this person's dancing style" or "This yukata pattern is beautiful."
Conclusion
In a time when traditional performing arts are fading across Japan, I think it is wonderful that a movement is emerging in the community to preserve Shimotsui-bushi.
I believe it is important not only to introduce Shimotsui-bushi to new people but also to help locals rediscover its value as part of the inheritance process.
The appeal is that even those who are not good at singing or dancing can get involved as supporters of Shimotsui-bushi. If you are interested, please check out the Instagram.
I want to support future inheritance activities so that Shimotsui-bushi can thrive both from within and outside.
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