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Kanazawa Geigi Interview Documentation Project
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Kanazawa Geigi Interview Documentation Project Implementation period:2022 to 2023
Interviews with the Geigi Community Who Uphold Kanazawa Subayashi
Kanazawa, an ancient city, is home to the traditional performing art of Subayashi. Through exclusive interviews with the Geigi who carry this tradition, we introduce the profound world of Subayashi. Behind the glamorous stage, the Geigi share their thoughts on how they approach Subayashi and continue to preserve and pass on this tradition. With their vivid words and melodies, we bring you the full charm of Subayashi.
Implemented in 2023
"Mayuzuki" in the Kazue-machi Chaya District
Suzu(from Tochigi Prefecture)
Suzu, who entered the world of Geigi through a connection with her Japanese dance master, who had been teaching in the Kazue-machi Chaya District since her university days. One year has passed since her debut performance in July 2022, and she shares, "I’ve had more opportunities to interact with customers than ever before during the tea ceremonies. I truly enjoy my training!" She continues to dedicate herself to both dance and Subayashi lessons.
"Nakamura" in the Higashi Chaya District
Toko(from Ishikawa Prefecture)
Toko views the flute as something very special. She says her roots come from being in charge of the flute in her hometown, the Noto region’s festival music. During her student years in Kanazawa, where she majored in East Asian history, she chose the Geigi name Toko. We also heard about her favorite spots for walks and other topics, focusing on her training and life in the city.
"Hachishige" in the Higashi Chaya District
Katsuyo(from Ishikawa Prefecture)
Katsuyo loves both singing and dancing, from Nagauta, Kouta, and Kiyomoto to even karaoke as a hobby. Her journey into traditional dance began with a shift from hip-hop dance to Japanese classical dance. For Katsuyo, the most rewarding aspect of her work is providing ozashiki experience where guests can always feel comfortable and enjoy themselves.
"Hanofuku" in the Higashi Chaya District
Makoto(from Toyama Prefecture)
The debut performance in October 2023 marked the moment when Makoto fulfilled her long-held dream of becoming a Geigi, a dream she had since middle school. After stepping onto the stage for the first time, Makoto is now tackling the challenges of unfamiliar work and training with determination. We spoke with her about her feelings as she dives into this new world.
"Hachishige" in the Higashi Chaya District
Mikoh(from Ishikawa Prefecture)
Mikoh is a graduate of the Kanazawa Subayashi Children's School. Born and raised near the Higashi Chaya District, she made her debut in November 2022. After a year, she says the sense of nervousness has gradually started to fade. Mikoh has a wide range of hobbies and tackles both her work and hobbies with full dedication.
"Hanya" in the Nishi Chaya District
Mitsuha(from Ishikawa Prefecture)
Mitsuha admires people who shine. She was inspired to become a Geigi by the senior Geigis she saw performing on stage. Despite being scolded many times, she says she’s never once thought about quitting. The warmth she feels from the subtle words of encouragement from her older sisters has been a source of support for her throughout her journey.
Implemented in 2022
"Mine" in the Nishi Chaya District
Kogiku(from Kyoto Prefecture)
Kogiku made her debut after graduating from Kanazawa College of Art in 2016.
In addition to her dancing as a tachikata (standing dancer), she also plays the flute in Kanazawa Subayashi, working hard to master various arts. We spoke with Kogiku about the reasons she became a Geigi, her daily life, and the Nishi Chaya District.
"Nakano-ya" in the Kazue-machi Chaya District
Momotaro(from Toyama Prefecture)
Utako(from Kanagawa Prefecture)
＜Part 1＞
Utako became a Geigi in 2016. When she moved from Yokohama to pursue the Geigi path and joined the Kazue-machi Chaya district, she formed a special connection with Momotaro, an older sister from the same teahouse.
Together with Momotaro, a graduate of Kanazawa College of Art, they shared their experiences and enjoyed discussing the Kanazawa Odori dance and Kanazawa Subayashi performances.
"Nakano-ya" in the Kazue-machi Chaya District
Momotaro(from Toyama Prefecture)
Utako(from Kanagawa Prefecture)
＜Part 2＞
What is Kazue-machi Chaya, the district where their teahouse is located, like? What is their daily life like? The conversation continues in a lighthearted tone. Although both are from outside the prefecture, what was the most surprising and confusing thing when they first arrived in the entertainment district? We also asked them about their future goals.
"Fujinoya" in the Higashi Chaya District
Shichiha(from Saga Prefecture)
Shichiha debuted in 2016, the year after the Hokuriku Shinkansen opened to Kanazawa.
We spoke with Shichiha, who is originally from Saga Prefecture, about how she became a Geigi, her impressions of Kanazawa, her lesson, the unexpected origin of her Geigi name "Shichiha," and her advice for those aspiring to follow the same path.
"Hanofuku" in the Higashi Chaya District
Ito(from Tokyo)
Ito was introduced as a new Geigi in February 2023.
We interviewed Ito just before her debut, where she shared how she came to Kanazawa to fulfill her dream of becoming a Geigi, her training experience, thoughts about her parents, and her feelings about stepping into a new world and living in Kanazawa.
"Hanofuku" in the Higashi Chaya District
Yoshimaru(from Nagano)
Yoshimaru became a Geigi in 2015, the year the Hokuriku Shinkansen opened in Kanazawa.
Drawn to coastal regions, she entered Kanazawa University. After graduation, she joined the Higashi Chaya District. We spoke with Yoshimaru about her daily life, the chaya district, and her passion for lessons, which is also one of her hobbies.