Yumiyawata
弓八幡
| [Genre] | Sokyoku |
| [School] | Yamada Ryū - 山田 |
| [Composed] | Yamada Kengyō - Koto |
History (Tsuge Gen'ichi):
| Yumiyawata is a short congratulatory piece often performed by beginners of the Yamada School koto. Its text is taken almost intact from a short section of the noh play, Yumiyawata, which praises the Great Bodhisattva Hachiman. Yumiyawata, literally meaning 'Bow-arrow-banner,' is an alternative name of Hachiman. 'The Great Hachiman' in this song actually refers to the deity which is worshipped at the Iwashimizu-Hachiman Shrine on Mt. Otoko in the suburbs of Kyoto. |
Poem (translated by Tsuge Gen'ichi)
| Over the Peak of Doves on Mt. Otoko Branches of the venerable pine trees Intertwine in peace. Here is worshipped The Great Hachiman, Protector of our Unclouded realm. Into the light Of his radiant mercy We come to pray For an everlasting reign. We advance with humility Into his glorious presence We advance with humility Into his glorious presence. | Matsu takaki eda mo tsuranaru hato no mine kumoranu miyo wa hisakata no tsuki no katsura no otokoyama genimo sayakeki kage ni kite kimi banzei to inorunaru kami ni ayumi wo hakobu nari kami ni ayumi wo hakobu nari |