University of Hawaii students and others perform the classic “Benten musume meo no shiranami” on Sunday at the Aioi-za Theater in Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture.
1:00 JST, June 4, 2024
MIZUNAMI, Gifu – Jikabuki, a folk art that took root among Japanese immigrants to Hawaii in the Meiji era, was performed Sunday by University of Hawaii students and others at a local theater in Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture. The approximately 500 spectators applauded the folk art in the Aioi-za theater, marking a ‘homecoming performance’ after more than 130 years.
Students dressed in matching kimono and holding Japanese umbrellas to perform the classic “Benten musume meo no shiranami” [“Benten the Maiden and the Five Thievest”] in both English and Japanese. During one highlight, when the five thieves appeared on stage, they delivered their lines in fluent Japanese. This drew many cheers and ohineri wrapped monetary offerings from the audience.
“I’ve been practicing for a long time. I am overwhelmed by the applause,” said Arlo Chiaki Rowe, a 25-year-old third-generation Japanese American who performed the long, epic song nagauta.
Immigration from Japan to Hawaii began in 1868. Kabuki took root there and in 1924 the university staged “Chushingura” (“The Believers”). Kabuki classes and performances are still held at the university.
