Fabulous Kids' Kabuki on the floats outside!
Komatsu city is well-know for the popular Kabuki play "Kanjin-Cho", based on the Noh play "Ataka". It's a story of a prince of tragedy, Yoshitsune Minamoto, and the warrior monk who served him. Yoshitsune is the step brother of the founder of the Kamakura Shogunate (1185-1333), and was accused of treason. They were just about to go through the Ataka-no-Seki barrier dressed like mountain ascetic hermits, to escape from the military dictator, then...
The Ataka-no-Seki in those plays truly existed by the ocean in the city. It's no wonder that Komatsu people love Kabuki. The Otabi Matsuri festival originated from a prayer to God for peace in 1651. Kids' Kabuki has a history of 240 years. Through in the past it was only open to boys to perform the fabulous play! Ryusuke-Cho, Nishi-Cho, Kyo-Machi, Naka-Machi, Tera-Machi, Yohkaichi-Machi, Daimonji-Cho, and Zaimoku-Cho have floats. Two of the eight districts perform every year. This year it was Kyo-Machi and Daimonji-Cho's turn, and I watched "Otoko-no-Hanamichi" in Kyo-Machi.
By SHIZUO / Published: May 30, 2011
Otabi Matsuri Festival [Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in mid-May]
Place: Ryusuke-Cho district, Nishi-Cho district, Kyo-Machi District, Naka-Machi district, Tera-Machi district, Yohkaichi-Machi district, Daimonji-Cho district and Zaimoku-Cho district
Parking lot: Near the city hall
Hikiyama Hiki-Zoroe: All 8 floats gather in the center of downtown Saturday night
How to get to Komatsu City: Take a JR "Hokuriku-Honsen Line" train, get off at "Komatsu Station"!
"Otoko-no-Hanamichi" is the story of friendship and obligations between two men!
A star actor from the old Osaka, who plays female roles, is on his way to old Tokyo with his companions. The troupe believes in their success with the star actor, Utaemon. He was, however, told by doctor that he would become blind in three months.
"Become the best actor in Edo (old Tokyo)! I'll do my best to be a great doctor. When I need you, then you can return the favor!"
Between scenes, he received a letter from Dr Genseki and learned of his crisis. The audience is waiting for him. So, what do you think Utaemon will do?
Kids play brilliantly on the float! Also, it was so adorable to see their conversations backstage!
Before the play started, I went to the back of the float to see the kids. They were beautifully made-up and waiting for their performance on the chairs.
Only two of the eight districts show their performances every year, which means each district plays once four years. Kids also know it and understand their responsibilities. But they trust grownups who support them, and seemed not to be nervous at all. Their parents also might played before, or grand fathers long time ago? People are the heritage in Komatsu!
Otabi Maturi is actually a spring festival of both the Uhashi-Jinja and Moto-ori Hiyoshi-Jinja shrines!
Kanazawa Area
Kenroku-En Garden
Seisonkaku Villa
Kanazawa-Jo Castle
Hishi-Yagura/<br>Gojikken-Nagaya/<br>Hashizume-Mon Tsuzuki-Yagura Museum
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21st Century Museum of<br> Contemporary Art, <br>Kanazawa
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Following Matsuo Bashô’s steps in Ishikawa - 1/6 [Introduction]
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Day Trip from Kanazawa #01-Wakura-Onsen Spa Town Nanao City
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Following Matsuo Bashô’s steps in Ishikawa - 3/6 [Komatsu City]
Following Matsuo Bashô’s steps in Ishikawa - 4/6 [Natadera Temple]
Following Matsuo Bashô’s steps in Ishikawa - 5/6 [Yamanaka Onsen Town]
Following Matsuo Bashô’s steps in Ishikawa - 6/6 [Daishoji District]
Rosanjin in Yamashiro Onsen Town
Hakusanroku Gibier: Local cuisine utilized wild game from the mountain area
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