Master Mei-Shu gave Mei-Shun the first lesson of this year. They’ve picked up “Shiokumi” for the stage in autumn. This is a love story between a nobleman from Kyoto and fisherwomen sisters named Matsukaze and Murasame. In noh stages, older Matsukaze is the leading role shite while younger Murasame the supporting one waki.
Japanese dance
Last Lesson
StandardMaster Mei-Shu gave Mei-Shun the last lesson of this year today. We talked about the next-year performance, laughed by an ogre*. Mei-Shun would like to play “Shio-Kumi” – a kind of challenge, claiming her best effort.
*“When we talk about next year, ogres would laugh at it” is a saying to tease unexpected, out-of-reach dreams.
Interview to Master: 10
StandardAnother director rushed to them, whispering to her colleague that she was Mei-Shu II, the youngest sister of late I. The told one flushed and murmured an apology. This happening made ties between Kikunoe directors stronger; Master Mei-Shu has succeeded her sister both in name and substance.
Interview to Master: 9
StandardIn preparation for 2004 Mei-Shu I commemoration stage, Mei-Shu II made a number of return trip to Tokushima. One day, a Kikunoe director, who did not recognize Mei-Shu II, asked her to play a supporting role. Surprised at her quick learning and fine performance, she told Master Mei-Shu that she danced very well.
Interview to Master: 8
StandardMei-Shu II is 11 years younger than her late sister, who gave her severe lessons from early days. Ka-Shu at that time felt tired of it, fled alone to Tokyo. After marriage, she was only involved in housekeeping and rearing her three children. Many Kikunoe directors in Tokushima did not know their president had a sister good at dancing.
Interview to Master: 7
Standard20 years ago, Mei-Shu II used to come home in Tsuchiura around 20:00, departing Machida before 17:00. That is why she always closed lessons with “good night” greetings to her students. Young power allowed her to endure such a hard task, she says with a smile.
Light Menu
StandardAfter 1-month interval, Mei-Shun saw Master Mei-Shu today. What would be on stage next year? We talked about it, mentioning a few candidates, and then started a short piece of dance anyway. Such ones are called “ha–uta” or “ko–uta” to mean short and light songs.
Interview to Master: 6
StandardMei-Shu II lived in Tokyo when Kikunoe-Ryu was established by her eldest sister. After moving to Tsuchiura, she continued giving lessons at a community center nearby her ex-home for 7 years. Taking 6:00 bus to the nearest train station, changing trains twice, she reached Machida, Tokyo around 10:00.
Interview to Master: 5
StandardMei-Shu II gives lessons at her home in Tsuchiura, while visiting Tokushima once a month to instruct Kikunoe masters. Our current head Sen-Sha, a popular kabuki actor Onoe Kikunosuke V, took office in 2012. This spring, we held a long-expected stage in Tokushima honoring late Mei-Shu I.
Interview to Master: 4
StandardIn 2004, commemorating beloved Mei-Shu I, Kikunoe Ryu masters and students held a stage in Tokushima. Kabuki actor Onoe Kikugoro VII, accompanied by his son Kikunosuke V, gave his precious performance in front of the full-packed audience.
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