2025 Nagasaki Kunchi Festival Shimbashicho Holland Banzai and Honodori
The first dedication dance at Suwa Shrine on October 7th was performed by Shimbashi-cho! This time, I watched the dedication dance from the box seat A-8 on the right side of Suwa Shrine!
Conclusion: "The collaboration between Oranda Banzai, Honodori and Nagasaki Kenban is fantastic! Everyone in Shimbashi town said 'Yay!'"
At the Nagasaki Kunchi festival, which will be held in 2025 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Suwa Shrine, I enjoyed the first performance of the Shinbashicho dedication dance from my special seat in the right-hand box seat A-8! Despite it being early in the morning, the energy of the Nagasaki Kunchi festival was incredible!
▼The gorgeous and gorgeous "Umbrella poles" lead the way
The first thing to appear was the kasaboko, a symbol of Shimbashi-cho. This kasaboko, which signals the start of the festival, was truly magnificent!
What particularly caught my eye was the decoration. Elegant deer were placed there, a reference to the Shikatoki River that once flowed through the town. I couldn't help but stare at the attention to detail in the design. The crests of the three shrines of Suwa, Morisaki, and Sumiyoshi were woven into the umbrella poles, conveying the town's enthusiasm for the Kunchi festival.
And it spun so well!! It was truly amazing! Chants of "Yoiyaaa!!" and "Bring it on!" rang out!
Afterwards, hand towels were distributed!
▼Exotic "Holland Banzai" and main dance
After that, it's finally time for the main dedication dance, "Holland Manzai" and "Main Dance"!
Shimbashi Town requested Nagasaki Kenban to perform this exotic performance for the first time in 26 years, and it was truly enjoyable!
The story, in which a Dutchman who was cast ashore in Nagasaki went from house to house dressed in a Japanese manzai (door-to-door entertainment) dance to make a living, is very Nagasaki-like!
First, the geisha from Nagasaki Kenban performed a graceful yet elegant dance in gorgeous costumes. Then came the humorous Banzai (Tayu) and Saizō, who were truly entertaining!
The comical movements and lines had the entire venue filled with laughter and applause. Their cheerful exchanges were met with loud shouts of "Somoo yare!" and "Bring it on!" from the box seats!
Afterwards, they danced to Nagasaki Burabura Bushi, which was really great!
The "original" Oranda Banzai, which Shinbashi-cho is proud of, was a superb votive dance that combined Nagasaki's international history with its vibrant festival culture!
I was overwhelmed with emotion!!
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