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Tomoyakko

供 奴

[Genre]Nagauta
[También Conocido Como]The Worthy Vassal
[Compuesto]Shamisen - 1828

Historia (William P Malm):

Composer: Kineya Saburotsuke IV

In this dance, the yakko (footman) is late in leaving the mansion and therefore, can not travel as his master's attendant. On his way from the fields of Asakusa to the Yoshiwara District, the yakko comically mimics his master by wearing a thick, padded kimono that his master likes to wear, and riding a palanquin, all the while keeping beat to the rhythm with his feet.
The piece is one part of a famous hengemono in which the actor changes character and costume seven times. It became popular as part of dance recitals. Statues of a little footman posing with his lantern (chochin) are found in souvenir and dance accessory shops.

Poema :

Hurry up! Quickly now!
I left a bit late for tonight's duties but,
because my feet are quick through the rice paddies, I follow a shortcut,
careful not to lose my way. You can be sure of that.
I take care not to put out the lantern on which is painted
my master's coat of arms. Respectfully, I set it down.
This starchy blue outfit that I wear with pride
shows me to be a true footman.

Neither a martial spirit nor the bearing of an apprentice
do I display in the slightest.
Never minding chapped skin or frostbite on my feet and legs,
even in snow as deep as on Mount Fuji
at any hour of the day I am ready to serve.
A faithful, honest man am I.

Step aside, I ask you to step aside,
speeding to the brothel district, to the first house.
I gasp for breath as I run along.

You know my master
In the district's obvious hiding
he spots the Tansen girl who wears the hemmed-up jacket (haori).
Fast and effective.

My sashi and hakama pants are both tied up for action.
Later a servant will remove my sandals here and there.

Oh, it feels good, good...
I do the roppo dance in the style of Naniwa Shiso.
Is it the custom to do so?
Did I do it? Sure I did, making a gaudy elegant figure.

For those who aren't embarrassed I'll solve the riddle of
the letters "ha" and "na" (two versions)
1. Unravelling 3 layers of obi,
2. Unravelling 8 layers and an underkimono
How happy I am, a man lying down.
Though they seldom last more than 75 days,
how vicious are the rumors about people.

Makeup is as damp as first cherry blossoms.

As if seeing for the first time, I awaken from an evening of drinking games.
Time and again I lost and was forced to drink a new cup with each defeat.
Six, seven, eight, nine, more and more I drank.
Moxacautery, acupuncture, or magic potions will surely cure me.
My shirts tucked up, I reel on unsteady feet,
but with my hand firm I keep grip on my staff.

Here, here, here, here, a veritable Narikoma ya am I.

Foot rhythm music

How interesting.
A lively rhythm has captured me suddenly;
the fear of being discharged by his master brings a look of worry to his eyes.
He lights his lantern, and when it flickers out, lights it again,
thus continuing on his way past this house in the pleasure quarters.