Obon tunes/songs?

Hi Everyone,
It looks like I may be in Japan during the August Obon celebration. I am not certain where exactly, but I am interesting in any tunes or songs associated with the celebration. I would like to learn some on shakuhachi or shinobue before I go. I don’t think I will be taking the shamisen as I will have only just started learning.

Thanks!

Will

Hi Will,
From what I’ve heard, bon Odori in Japan now has alot of more contemporary songs and dances… but I can tell you what are the traditional popular songs (at least in Hawaii). If you play shinobue you’d really like Fukushima Ondo- its VERY popular here in Hawaii, theres about 5 groups that circulate during our Obon season (its all summer long, every weekend. We are crazy).

Other songs:
Tanko bushi
Tokyo Ondo
Soran Bushi
Hokkai bon uta
Soma Bon Uta
Hanagasa ondo
Banba odori (my personal favorite)

Some Okinawan ones:
Asatoya yunta (or Asadoya yunta)
tenyo tenyo
ashibinaa

Have a good trip!

Cathleen

Thanks Cathleen. This will be plenty to work on. I know I will be in Japan in August…just not sure exactly where during the festival week. My wife has family in Morioka so we are considering the big taiko gathering there. Depends on our willingness to deal with the crowds. Will.