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This is a Min'yo piece from the Min'yo school .

History (from Takahashi Yujiro)
This beloved Bon dance song from Yagi (Gunma Pref.) has a driving rhythm performed on a hand-gong and various drums - but most uniquely, on upturned sake barrels (here replaced by tsuzumi struck with beaters). Several long ballads are sung to this melody; this is a snippet from the start of the story of the Robin Hood figure Kunisada Chuji (1810-50). The lyrics end with one of several formulas.

The famous Kunisada Chuji was born in renowned Kunisada Village, Sawagori District, Joshu Province. His father's name was Chubei; Chuji was their second son. Born with a chivalrous spirit, he would willingly fight to help others.

He became a great gambling boss, envied by all. In 1846, mid-autumn, he built a gambling palace. There he passed each day in gaming battles - today, tomorrow, everyday.

Well, I'd like to continue this tale further: a long and skilful performance would be wonderful. But a long and untalented one would upset the gathering, so as voices cry out "Stop! Stop!", I'll halt my tale right here.

Yagi Bushi appears on the following albums:

Album	Shakuhachi	Koto	Shamisen
Melody of Japan - Brightness of Summer  (Listen)
Min'yo - Folk Song from Japan - Takahashi Yujiro and friends  (Listen)
This beloved Bon dance song from Yagi (Gunma Pref.) has a driving rhythm performed on a hand-gong and various drums - but most uniquely, on upturned sake barrels (here replaced by tsuzumi struck with beaters). Several long ballads are sung to this melody; this is a snippet from the start of the story of the Robin Hood figure Kunisada Chuji (1810-50). The lyrics end with one of several formulas. The famous Kunisada Chuji was born in renowned Kunisada Village, Sawagori District, Joshu Province. His father's name was Chubei; Chuji was their second son. Born with a chivalrous spirit, he would willingly fight to help others. He became a great gambling boss, envied by all. In 1846, mid-autumn, he built a gambling palace. There he passed each day in gaming battles - today, tomorrow, everyday. Well, I'd like to continue this tale further: a long and skilful performance would be wonderful. But a long and untalented one would upset the gathering, so as voices cry out "Stop! Stop!", I'll halt my tale right here. Copyright 1999 - Dr David W. Hughes e-mail dh6@soas.ac.uk
Minyo Meijin Series Watanabe Kizo  (Listen)
Nihon Minyo - Shakuhachi Tokusen Shu - 2  (Listen)
Shakuhachi Minyo - Okuni Meguri - Vol 4  (Listen)