OKEIKO 24

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OKEIKO 24

In Nihonbuyo there are “Te” (forms), which are using the feet. “Jiri-jiri”, which is a sideways movement while the upper body remains still, is one of the unique movements of Nihonbuyo. “Jiri-jiri" performed standing up is unnatural as a human movement, so in classical works, this "Te" is often used as a movement of non-humans, i.e., monsters and ghosts. In Rankoh Fujima's original work, "Nobunaga-Samurai," when Mitsuhide* is contemplating, there was a movement in which he makes a turn while doing "jiri-jiri”. That scene attracted a lot of attention.

"Jiri-jiri" while squatting is performed by "humans" too. It may seem like an ordinary and effortless movement, but it is quite difficult. Please give it a try. But be sure to do it in a place that is safe even if you fall.

(Mitsuko T. Sakurai)

 
*Akechi Mitsuhide was a samurai general of the Sengoku period best known as the assassin of Oda Nobunaga.