めんそーれ新宿―7月25日（土）新宿エイサーまつり2015 開催！ 新宿エイサーまつり2015ダイジェスト動画【Shinjuku Eisa Festival 2015 digest 91min.】 撮影：弓田一徳、谷尾宏之、寺谷公一　編集：寺谷公一 【What is Eisa?】 Eisa is a Bon dance originated from Okinawa. July 15th is the “Kyu Bon” (old Bon) according to the old calendar (it will fall on　21st of August in 2015), and on that night when we see off our ancestors’ spirits　(the day is called “Ukui” in Okinawa), young men and women go around the community dancing, wishing for health, safety, and prosperity of each house,and pray for repose of the spirits. This dance performed on the night of 15th,the day of “Ukui” (to send off ), is called Eisa. Spirits of ancestors that come down to earth on the 13th, or the day of “Unke” (to welcome) usually resist on returning, so people beat their drums to scare them and send them back to their world. This is how Eisa was established. 【History of Eisa and its origin】 In 1603, d uring R yuku K ingdom e ra, Jodo Shinshu ( True Pu re L and Bu ddhism) w as introduced to the people. And it is said that original form of Eisa was Nenbutsu (Buddhist invocation) chanting by Ninpucha (the c hanter) to repose the spirits at funerals and memorial mass. Later on in the beginning of the Showa era, more entertainment-driven Eisa became popular. In 1956, when “Island of Okinawa Eisa Contest” started out, young men’s associations from center of Main Island took the initiative to bring Eisa to a new level, revolutionizing its skills and costumes. Today events are held not only during Kyu Bon but throughout the year, including Island of Okinawa Eisa Festival and 10,000 Eisa Dance Festa, and many can be seen outside Okinawa. There are several theories to the origin of Eisa. However the one that is most supported is group dance “Esaomoro” being combined with Nenbutsu (Buddhist invocation) style dance which was started by a Kyoto Buddhist priest, Taichu Shonin when he came to Okinawa. It is also said that the name “Eisa” was taken from a musical accompaniment. Shinjuku Eisa Festival is held on the last Saturday of July, right after the rainy season.It starts from 1 o’clock around Shinjuku Street. This time of the day during the summer season is the hottest throughout the year. Make sure to drink water frequently so that you won’t suffer from heatstroke. There are no convenience stores and vending machines along Shinjuku Street so we suggest you to bring a drink with you. In Okinawa, Eisa is usually performed from early evening to night, when it’s cooler.At Shinjuku Eisa Festival, you can also enjoy it in a rather cooler weather at nighttime.This year, nighttime sessions are held in 6 areas, around East and West Exits of Shinjuku Station.During nighttime sessions, audiences can join the Eisa performances. And one of its main attractions is the “Kachashii”! 【What is Kachashii?】 Kachashii means to “stir” in Okinawan dialect.When people sway their hands from left to right above their head, it looks like a stirring movement and this is where its name comes from. As people get warmed up to the Okinawa folksongs, the audience and sometimes the players too, start dancing the Kachashii, swaying their hands up in the air and stumping their feet. 新宿が沖縄になる日。めんそーれ、新宿。毎年恒例、今年で14回目、7月の最終土曜日開催の「新宿エイサーまつり」が7月25日開催されました。 昼の部は新宿通り（アルタ前からマルイアネックス前までの5会場）にて12時より16時まで、夜の部は新宿駅東西6会場（双葉通り、モア４番街、歌舞伎町セントラルロード、新宿三井ビル、小田急電鉄本社前、小田急ハルク横）にて17時より20時まで、沖縄の伝統舞踊「エイサー踊り」の演舞で新宿全体が賑わいました。

• published: 28 Jul 2015
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