To set the record straight, I have to admit that the event
is quite organized, well decorated… actually nothing seems to go on err! That
tells you that preparations are done on time; i.e. for the performing groups
and the organizers. There were over 200 hundred performing groups in this year
(2015), from within and without Kochi. Notably, various institutions and
companies; private and public, commercial and non-commercial ones, sponsor the
performing groups. Thus, most of the groups bear the names of institutions or
companies that sponsor them. Indeed, this is one of the best CSR activities,
among other benefits that accrue.
The real task comes during the practice time, where some
groups start a couple of months before the event, while others a few months to.
My group practiced for about one and half (1.5) months; every day for 2 hours
except for days off. That was one of the most challenging and engaging moments
in life, because of various reasons. The obvious reason is my background; I was
born and bred in Africa, a continent known for vigor and energy in music
performances; uniquely, movement of virtually all the body parts at ago! Then,
here comes Yosakoi, where I need to be a bit calm, and accurately coordinate
all the body parts, in a specific position, hold the Naruko in the required way
and alignment. Make sure the Naruko shakes at the required time; poor you if
you are out of order. Actually, Naruko was an extra burden because I am used to
dancing without any instrument on my hand.
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| My group members |
Language was definitely another issue; talk of the song,
instructions and interactions- all in Japanese! Although my Japanese was not
that bad, I had to depend on my Japanese partners in front and beside me during
instruction time. It was funny though, because sometimes it could backfire,
when all of them were doing something different; who the hell is doing the
right thing? Fortunate enough, the continuous practice did me good, and for
sure, I did make it…yaay!
The performances are held in
different parts of the city (Kochi), thus necessity for early preparations. This
is a time you will see an erection of temporary structures along streets, open
spaces, and even halls. Even some major roads and streets are barricaded for
Yosakoi purposes; it is party time! All these places are equipped with all
safety measures, lighting systems, observation points and decorations that
paint the face of a true Yosakoi mood.
Notably, every group have to work
on their own sound system, which is normally a truck loaded with all the
necessary equipment. The sound system is part and parcel of the convoy during performances
in any of locations.
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| My group's sound system |
Festival day
On the Yosakoi eve, there are normally
fireworks held to switch on the real festive mood. However, the fireworks may
be done after Yosakoi, depending on weather conditions, especially rain. Thankfully,
this year’s weather was quite favorable, enabling a 2-hour non-stop fireworks at
the Kagami Kawa (river) of Kochi City. That was probably the longest and most interesting
fireworks I have ever seen; just sit on the riverbank at night, be drinking
some beer and taking snacks as you watch the amazing fireworks explode above
you complemented by their beautiful reflection in the Kagami Kawa waters. That
is how Yosakoi times gradually role in.
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| The fireworks was real fun |
"Niagara falls" fireworks at Kagami Kawa
The presentation days (four in
total) are marked with colorful streets, and ever-busy operations and
movements. Talking of colour color, I am referring to both people (tourists
from within and without Japan) and decorations. People really travel from far and
wide just to witness how Yosakoi goes down. The presenting groups line up, just
to ensure organization and time management. The truck carrying the sound system
is always in front, with the announcer (MC) introducing the Group Name, their
dance song among other things. The announcers are mostly men with deep voices,
shouting at their highest volume, accompanied with excitements! This was
probably the first time I saw a Japanese perform and talk vigorously
one-on-one. Mostly, I see this on Japanese TV shows and movies. A “Hai” voice
signals the start of the dance…come on, let us do this! This is the time to
shake it off, igniting the Samurai and the real “ganbarimasyou” spirit.
Most of the songs are about 3-4
minutes, but the dances are done repetitively- meaning replays of the song. This
is because some of the distances to be covered are so long. I remember my group
dancing for over 30-minutes non-stop from one end to the other! I Cannot forget
to mention that sometimes two groups perform simultaneously, or they start
immediately behind you. Woe unto you or your group if the sound system in weak
because you will be out of order! Glad that my group had one of the best sound
systems.
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| My group in Action |
Mind you, it is summer. You can imagine the
sweating rates and fatigue; you got to be strong on this. Actually one of my friends
referred to this as literally “swimming in your clothes!” The sweating and
fatigue notwithstanding, the audience is always awesome cheering you to the
end. They are always lined on both sides of the streets, maybe sited or standing,
leaving the performances to astound them. There is no good feeling as to when
you realize that someone is enjoying what you are doing; that keeps you moving
and pushing on to the end. Some of the audiences even try to “fan at you” (if
there is such a phrase) just to cool you down. きもちがいいね
(it is such a nice feeling).
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| Rival groups in action (notice the various costumes) |
Prizes
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| My two medals |
There are various prizes won
during the Yosakoi festival, but I would like to emphasize on MEDALS! There are
judge benches in all the performance, areas. The work of the judges is to
identify best dancers, to whom the medals are given. One can collect as many
medals as possible; the better your moves are, so are your chances to collect
medals. It is actually a bad feeling if one fails to collect a medal in all the
3-4 days of performance! 私は二つメダルとった (I won
two medals). One of the medals that I won is called はなメダル (flower medal), and it is said to be the best of all medals in
Yosakoi! Glad this happened to me…
The Real Feel
My case was even unique, because
I was the only African (not really sure) and maybe the first ever Kenyan to
dance Yosakoi…yaay! So, most the times faces could be turning at me- not only
the audience but including the media…but do I say! “Sugoi” “Sugoi” were
vocabularies of the day. Actually, I promised the media people that I want to
teach Yosakoi moves back in Kenya; off course Kenyans need to know about Naruko
and the “Monk in Love!”
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| Yosakoi Interview by Asahi NewsPaper |
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| Yosakoi Interview by Kochi NewsPaper |
Indeed, the participation in
Yosakoi was a great happening to me. I may not participate in the subsequent
ones but I will be always be heads high, spirit burning, and proudly saying “よさこいできった”
(I made it in Yosakoi)!
Special Mention
Takeuchi san: This is an awesome person,
who made it happen for me. God bless you abundantly. You can visit his company
website, Takeuchi Rebuilt, if in need of second-hand cars, and spare parts (will add URL soon)
Jia san: Thank you for always
driving back and forth the practicing venue. Enough respect.
Kochi Toyota: The sponsor for my
group. May your boundaries expand even more.
Mwangi san: This is the guy that
was to dance in my position at Yosakoi. Unfortunately, he has two left legs,
meaning he cannot dance…haha! Thanks for the nomination man; always a brother!
Kochi Toyota no Nishiyama Group:
My group name; you guys were awesome! Though the teachers were a bit strict (きびしいですね!).
Miss you all!
Source Credit:
Japan Monthly Web Magazine (2011). Awa Odori (Awa Dance Festival) & Yosakoi (Yosakoi Festival). Online (http://japan-magazine.jnto.go.jp/en/1106_awaodori.html)
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