Minyô

Published on 08/06/2010 - Edition

When visiting the Traditional Culture area of Japan Expo, let yourself be charmed by the sound of Minyô and travel to Japan through centuries.

Minyô

Minyô and Shin Minyô (new Minyô) are Japanese traditional songs, sometimes humorous, which express joy, accompanied by dancing and which are ideal to party but many are also made to give strength for work.

Many Minyô are linked to jobs and were originally sung at work or for special tasks. Others only aim at entertainment.

The Sakura Ensemble

Three Japanese singers, all ladies, and five instruments: the Sakura Ensemble is a trio founded in 2003, a few years after Nobuko MATSUMIYA, a Koto player, met percussionist Emiko OTA... in Paris! They were then joined by Fumie HIHARA, a Shamisen player.

A concert by the Sakura Ensemble is a cheerful journey through all the regions of Japan with Sôran Bushi, a fisherman Minyô, which takes you off the coast of Hokkaidô or Kaigara Bushi, a shell picker chant.