Azuma Jishi (吾妻獅子) from Samazama (様様) by Markus Guhe
Azuma Jishi (吾妻獅子 – Lion Dance from the Azuma Region)
While honkyoku are serious pieces, addressing matters of life and death, the komusō (masterless samurai turned itinerant Zen monks) also played some hate or hirukara (‘afternoon’) pieces simply for enjoyment and relaxation when they were free from the strict discipline of spiritual practice.
The piece evokes nostalgia for the home region of Azuma (an old name for Eastern Japan). It is a ‘lion dance’ piece that is performed as part of Shinto festivals in that region.
Tracklist
| 6. | Azuma Jishi (吾妻獅子) | 2:53 |
Credits
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I discovered the shakuhachi in Japan in 2012. Without knowing anything about the instrument I immediately took to the practice of playing because I found it to be a strangely satisfying activity. So I decided I wanted to 'get really good' at it. I received a master’s license in 2016. I play the traditional shakuhachi repertoire ('honkyoku') and combine the shakuhachi with taiko and electronics.