Ota Ward Cultural Arts Information Paper "ART bee HIVE" vol.17 + bee!

Issued April 2024, 1

vol.17 winter issue

The Ota Ward Cultural Arts Information Paper "ART bee HIVE" is a quarterly information paper that contains information on local culture and arts, newly published by the Ota Ward Cultural Promotion Association from the fall of 2019.
"BEE HIVE" means a beehive.
Together with the ward reporter "Mitsubachi Corps" gathered by open recruitment, we will collect artistic information and deliver it to everyone!
In "+ bee!", We will post information that could not be introduced on paper.

Art place: "Gallery Shoko" Calligrapher Shoko Kanazawa / Yasuko Kanazawa + bee!

Artistic person: Reiko Shinmen, representative of Kugaraku, the Kugahara Rakugo Friends Association in Ota Ward + bee!

Pick up stamp rally in OTA: Hibino Sanako stamp rally

Future attention EVENT + bee!

It is written by a soul with a high level of purity, so it will move you.
"'Gallery Shoko' Calligrapher Shoko Kanazawa / Yasuko Kanazawa"

From Kugahara Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line, go up Lilac Street Kugahara and pass the second intersection, and you will see a large signboard with the words "Living Together" written in calligraphy on your right. This is Gallery Shoko, a personal gallery of calligrapher Shoko Kanazawa, who has Down syndrome. We spoke to Shoko Kanazawa and her mother, Yasuko.

Gallery exterior with impressive large signboard

Shoko's essence is to make people happy.

When did you start writing calligraphy and what inspired you?

Shoko: “From the age of 5.”

Yasuko: ``When Shoko was in nursery school, it was decided that she would be placed in a regular class at elementary school, but when you think about the actual school life, that would be difficult.Therefore, I felt that above all else, she had to make friends. The only thing I could do was calligraphy, so I gathered together other children who went to the same school and taught Shoko and her friends how to calligraphy.''

At first, it was about making friends.

Yasuko: “That’s right.”

at age 5bookwas started and has continued to this day. What is the appeal of books?

Shoko: “It’s fun.”

Yasuko: ``I don't know if Shoko likes calligraphy itself.However, Shoko loves making people happy, and for now, she wants me, her mother, to be happy the most.What I do is to make my mother happy.'' It's fun. Shoko's essence is to make people happy."

Shoko: “Yeah.”

Shoko in front of a handwritten folding screen

I never thought I would become a calligrapher.

There is something about Shoko's calligraphy that touches the soul.

Yasuko: ``It's really strange, but so many people shed tears when I read Shoko's calligraphy.I've been making calligraphy for over 70 years, but it's not common for people to shed tears when they see calligraphy.18 A year ago, when I was 20 years old, I had my first solo exhibition.At that time, everyone cried.I've always wondered why, but I think Shoko's slightly lower IQ has resulted in her developing a different kind of intelligence. I grew up pure in a sense. I have a very pure soul. I think it's because that pure soul writes that people are moved."

Why did you hold your first solo exhibition at the age of 20?

Yasuko: ``My husband passed away when Shoko was 14 years old (in 1999), but during his lifetime he always said, ``Since you can write such beautiful calligraphy, I'll show you Shoko's calligraphy when you turn 20.'' So I thought it would only be done once in a lifetime, and held a solo exhibition in Ginza in 2005."

Why did you decide to continue working as a calligrapher?

Yasuko: ``I never thought I would become a calligrapher.In the social environment at the time, it was impossible for people with disabilities to become someone.However, unexpectedly, many people from all over the country came to see my work.'' Thankfully, the chief priest of the temple and the people at the museum said, ``Let's hold a solo exhibition at our house.''It was supposed to be a one-off, but as of today, there have been over 500 solo exhibitions. show off calligraphy atcalligraphy at the tableSekijokigowill be about 1,300 times. I'm happy when someone asks me to write something, and I've always said, ``I'll do my best.'' Everyone is happy to see Shoko's calligraphy. This becomes Shoko's joy and strength. Not only myself, but many mothers with disabilities will also be saved. When you look at Shoko's calligraphy, you can say, ``It gives me hope.'' ”

What does calligraphy mean to Shoko?

Shoko: "I'm energetic, happy, and moved. I'm writing this with all my heart."

Inside the store where you can come into close contact with the works

This gallery is Shoko's(I.e.Justresidence of　sumika.

When does Gallery Shoko open?

Yasuko: “It’s July 2022th, 7.”

Please tell us the reason for opening.

Yasuko: ``It started seven years after Shoko started living alone. Everyone in Kugahara helped her live alone. Everyone taught her everything from how to take out the trash. They raised Shoko. This gallery is Shoko's. This is Shoko's final home. Since Shoko is an only child and has no relatives, I decided to entrust her life to this shopping district in this town. In short, it is my final home."

Please tell us the concept of the gallery.

Yasuko: ``Regardless of whether it sells or not, we are displaying things that express Shoko's heart and show her way of life.''

Will there be any changes to the exhibits?

Yasuko: “As new works are displayed once they sell, it changes quite a bit.The large folding screen that is the centerpiece is replaced every season.”

Please tell us about the future development of the gallery.

Yasuko: “In order for Shoko to continue living here, we need many people to come to this town.To that end, we are also planning to hold an exhibition of young artists other than Shoko at this gallery.Young people It's difficult for someone to rent a gallery, so I'm thinking of making it a little cheaper so people can use it.I hope that people who aren't Shoko's fans will come from other places."

How many times a year do you plan to do it?

Yasuko: "I've only done it three times so far, but ideally I'd like to be able to do it once every two months."

There is also a wide variety of goods such as bookmarks and pocket bags ©Shoko Kanazawa

I'm thinking of letting Shoko take care of me.

What do you think about Shoko herself?

Yasuko: ``Shoko has done a really good job living alone.She lives on the 4th floor of this gallery.I'm on the 5th floor.It would be bad for me to get involved in Shoko's life alone, so we don't have much interaction with her.'' Hmm. I'm thinking of deepening our relationship a little more in the future. Actually, I'm thinking of having Shoko take care of me. She's a girl who likes to do things for people."

People with disabilities have the image of having someone take care of them, but Shoko is now able to live on her own. Furthermore, from now on, she will be able to take care of people.

Yasuko: ``My child likes to take care of people, so I'm thinking of sending her to study nursing care so that she can teach me the basics.'' Even now, from time to time, she says ``I'm using Uber Eats'' and delivers the food she made herself to me. I am. I would like to increase this even more. I think I need to deepen the interaction between parents and children a little more and teach them a sense of beauty in daily life as part of my final life. For example, how to sit, how to clean, how to eat, etc. What should we do to live beautifully and with pride? As much as I've worked hard living alone, I've picked up some bad habits that I need to change. I would like the two of us to get closer to each other a little more, have him take care of me, and deepen our interactions with each other. ”

I'm glad I continued to live in this city.

What made you come to live in Kugahara?

Yasuko: "We used to live on the top floor of a high-rise apartment in Meguro. When Shoko was 2 or 3 years old, there was a time when I was a little mentally depressed, so my husband decided to move out, although it wasn't for relocation therapy. So I came to Kugahara, and when the train arrived at the station, it was crowded with people and had a downtown atmosphere.I decided to move here and moved here. Before I knew it, 35 years had passed. Ta."

How about living there?

Shoko: “I love Kugahara.”

Yasuko: ``Shoko was a genius at making friends and winning the hearts of the people in this town.I go shopping every day with what little money I have, and everyone in the shopping district is also waiting for Shoko. Shoko wants to meet everyone, so she goes shopping and is treated really well.For the past eight years, every time Shoko goes, there are people at the stores who sing to her."

You were able to become independent by interacting with everyone in the town.

Yasuko: ``Everyone understood that this is the kind of person Shoko is. Here, people with disabilities are also members of the town. Another reason why she chose Kugahara as her final home was because Shoko understood the geography of this town well. I know shortcuts and can go anywhere by bicycle. I can meet my classmates from elementary school on the street corner. Nowadays, everyone has children and lives in this city. After all, I can't leave. I can't leave this city. I’m glad I continued to live here.”

Please give a message to our readers.

Yasuko: ``Gallery Shoko is open to anyone from 11:7 to 1:XNUMX p.m., except on Thursdays.Please feel free to stop by.Everyone who visits will receive a postcard. If Shoko is there, I'll sign books on the spot. Shoko tries to be in the store as much as possible. I brought Shoko's desk to the gallery."

Is Shoko the store manager?

Shoko: “Manager.”

Yasuko: "Shoko will be the store manager from September 2023, 9. As the store manager, she will also be working on the computer. She will also be signing autographs, shredding, and cleaning. That's the plan."

I like the shape of kanji.

This is a question from the Bee Corps (city reporter). It seems that you are always looking at a four-character idiom dictionary, but I wonder why.

Yasuko: ``A while back, I was copying four-character compound words with a pencil all the time.Now I've started writing the Heart Sutra.I think I want to write the kanji with a pencil.Both the four-character compound words and the Heart Sutra have kanji. There are a lot of people lined up.”

Do you like Kanji?

Shoko: “I like kanji.”

Yasuko: ``When it comes to kanji, I like the shape of a dragon.I wrote it until my dictionary fell apart.I like writing.Right now, it's the Heart Sutra.''

What is the appeal of the Heart Sutra?

Shoko: “I write with all my heart.”

Thank you very much.

Gallery Shoko

• Address: 3-37-3 Kugahara, Ota-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 3 minutes walk from Kugahara Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line
• Business hours / 11: 00-19: 00
• Regular holiday/Thursday

website

Instagram

Profile

Shoko performing calligraphy in front of the audience

Born in Tokyo. He has held dedication calligraphy and solo exhibitions at Japan's leading shrines and temples, including Ise Grand Shrine and Todaiji Temple. He has held solo exhibitions at famous museums such as the Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art, the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, the Ueno Royal Museum, and the Mori Arts Center Gallery. He has held solo exhibitions in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Singapore, Dubai, Russia, and other countries. Handwritten by NHK Taiga Drama "Taira no Kiyomori". He wrote the opening ceremony of the national polity and the imperial handwriting. Production of official art poster for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He received the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon. He is a visiting associate professor at Nihon Fukushi University. Special Support Ambassador of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

I want people to smile when they listen to Rakugo.
“Reiko Shinmen, representative of Kugaraku, Kugahara Rakugo Friends Association, Ota Ward”

Kugaraku, a group of Rakugo lovers living in Kugahara in Ota Ward, was born as a group of Rakugo lovers living in Kugahara. We have held 2013 performances in 11 years from November 2023 to November 11. We spoke to the representative, Mr. Shinmen.

Mr. Shinmen stands with his back to the familiar pine curtain of “Kugaraku”

I was able to forget about the bad things and really laugh.

When was Kugaraku established?

“It will be 2016, 28.”

Please tell us how you got started.

"About a year before we founded the company, I fell ill and was feeling very depressed. At that time, a senior colleague at work said to me, ``Why don't you go listen to rakugo? It'll make you feel better.'' That was my first Rakugo experience.When I went to listen to it, I was able to forget all the bad things and laugh from the bottom of my heart.I thought, ``Wow, Rakugo is so much fun.''After that, I attended many Rakugo performances. I went to a vaudeville show.There are various events held in the city, but in Kugahara, I haven't had many opportunities to casually listen to live rakugo.I'm glad that a variety of people, including children and the elderly, have been introduced to rakugo. I started this meeting with the hope that it would bring a smile to people's faces, even just a little bit."

Could you tell us about the name of the association?

``We named it ``Kugaraku'' because it comes from the place name Kugahara Rakugo, and also because we hope that ``listening to rakugo will ease your sufferings.We want you to spend your days laughing.'' ”

The name came from Shinmen's feelings when he first encountered Rakugo.

``I want to deliver fun rakugo to the local people.I want them to laugh.I want them to smile.I want them to know the fun of live rakugo and storytelling.At Kugaraku, before the performance, We interviewed a storyteller about Rakugo, his thoughts on Rakugo, and an explanation of terminology on our website.We have received compliments on how easy it is for beginners to understand.The rest is ``Kugaraku''. I hope that people will take this opportunity to come out to the city.I hope that those who come from other cities will get to know Kugahara, Ota Ward.''

5th Shunputei Shōya/Current Shunputei Shōya (2016)

We choose people who we can imagine talking with "Kugaraku" and smiling customers at "Kugaraku".

Who chooses the performers and what are their criteria?

"I am the one who chooses the performers. I don't just choose the performers, but I want them to be the ones who can imagine themselves talking in Kugaraku and the people laughing at Kugaraku. I'm asking you to perform.For that purpose, I go to various rakugo performances and vaudeville shows.''

How often do you go there each year?

"I go there quite a bit. Before the coronavirus, I used to go seven or eight times a month."

Well, isn't it 2 paces a week?

``I go to see the people I want to meet. Of course, I don't go just to find people who want to show up. I go to have fun.''

What is the appeal of Rakugo for Shinmen?

``Rakugo can be enjoyed both with the ears and with the eyes.I often find myself immersed in the world of live rakugo.For example, when I'm in a room in a tenement house, I'm with a bear.Eight TheIt feels like I'm listening to a story being told by Tsutsuan. “Isn’t Rakugo difficult? ” I am often asked. At times like these, I invite people to come as if I were going to have a picture book read them an old story. Rakugo can be seen on TV or streamed, but it's different when it's performed live.pillowPillowBut before we get to the main topic, he will talk about small talk and his experiences as a rakugo storyteller. As I talked about it, I saw the reactions of the customers that day, saying things like, ``Most of the customers today are around this age, some have children, so I'm excited to hear something like this.'' From a certain drawer, he decided on a program, saying, ``Let's talk about this today.'' I feel that this is an entertainment for the people who are here right now. That's why I think it creates a sense of unity and what a fun place it is. ”

20th Ryutei Komichi Master (2020)

All the customers at Kugaraku have good manners.

What kind of customers do you have?

"Most of the people are in their 40s to 60s. 6% are regulars and 4% are new. Most of them are from Ota Ward, but since we disseminate information on SNS, we live in faraway places like Saitama, Chiba, and Shizuoka. We even had people from Shikoku contact us once because they had something to do in Tokyo. We were very happy."

How have your customers reacted?

``After the performance, we receive a questionnaire. Everyone works hard to fill out questionnaires, and the response rate is very high. The response rate is close to 100%. Every time, we have a review meeting with everyone in the group and say, ``Okay, let's try to improve this.'' Generally speaking, everyone is happy.We ask them to tell us the name of the next storyteller. Just because of that, everyone makes their next reservation. I'm embarrassed to say it myself, but they say, ``It must be fun if Shinmen chooses me.'' I think how grateful I am. .”

What is the reaction from rakugo performers?

``The audience at ``Kugaraku'' has good manners. There's no trash left behind, and most of all, everyone laughs a lot. The storytellers are also very happy. In my opinion, the audience and the performers are the best. They're equally important. I want to cherish both, so there's nothing that makes me happier than seeing the storytellers happy. I'm really grateful that they're performing at a small gathering like ours."

Have you noticed any changes in the members or in the local community as the group continues?

``I think the number of people who understand that rakugo is fun is increasing little by little.Also, there are many people who only meet through ``Kugaraku''. That's true, and the same goes for our customers.I strongly feel the connection I have with everyone, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.''

In addition to rakugo performances, you also create various booklets.

“In 2018, I made a map of Rakugo clubs in Ota Ward.At that time, I was a bit ambitious (lol), and thought it would be possible to organize all the Rakugo shows in Ota Ward and create an Ota Ward Rakugo Festival. That's something I thought about."

I think you can do it, it's not just an ambition.

"I see. If I really want to make this happen, I will spare no effort."

A genealogy of Rakugo performers has also been created.

``At every performance, we give out the genealogy of the people who performed at that time.If you look back over the years, there are living national treasures and various storytellers.I'm always interested.''

Ota Ward Rakugo Society Map (as of October 2018)

Rakugo storyteller family tree

It's a truly wonderful story-telling performance that can be performed using just a cushion.

Lastly, please give a message to our readers.

"Rakugo is a truly wonderful storytelling performance performed on a single cushion. I want as many people as possible to listen to it. Laughter improves your immune system. I want you to become healthy by listening to Rakugo. Within Ota Ward However, I hope that it will be an opportunity for you to go and listen to Rakugo, even if it is outside of Ota Ward, and go out to various places. Everyone, please go to Kugaraku, Rakugo shows, and Yose."

Flyer for the 4st Shunputei Ichizo Master (21) held for the first time in about 2023 years

mascot beckoning cat

Profile

Representative of Ota Ward's Hisagahara Rakugo Friends Association "Kugaraku". In 2012, when she was feeling depressed due to illness, a senior at work invited her to experience a live rakugo performance. She discovered the charm of rakugo, and the following year, in 2013, she founded Kugaraku, a group of friends in Hisagahara Rakugo in Ota Ward. Since then, 2023 performances will be held over 11 years until November 10. The next event is scheduled for May 21.

Ota Ward Kugahara Rakugo Friends Association “Kugaraku”

Email: rakugo@miura-re-design.com

website

Please check each contact for the latest information.

Pick up stamp rally in OTA

Hibino Sanako stamp rally

Regional collaborative exhibition “Current status of the Ota City Artists Association viewed alongside the works of Ryuko Kawabata”

(The photo is an image)

Reiwa 6th Plum Festival

State of the day

Ikemeshi

Contact

Public Relations and Public Hearing Section, Culture and Arts Promotion Division, Ota Ward Cultural Promotion Association