tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501670448657416824.post3485121391265779337..comments2024-03-28T12:12:30.122-04:00Comments on Kayo Kyoku Plus: Memorial Hall Visits Part 4: Hachiro KasugaJ-Canuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551828383307840403noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501670448657416824.post-42006094939286776982018-06-26T21:53:16.537-04:002018-06-26T21:53:16.537-04:00Hi, Noelle.
Things are indeed evolving with enka/...Hi, Noelle.<br /><br />Things are indeed evolving with enka/Mood Kayo to a certain extent, and of course, that's good. In the case of Minami, I think his smile was essential to his persona. He always appeared to me as a benevolent deity coming down to sing for us whenever he flashed that smile and opened his arms wide.<br /><br />I will have to see about visiting Misora and Koga's museums next time I'm in town. Thanks!J-Canuckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09551828383307840403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501670448657416824.post-89190329153465161032018-06-26T11:56:57.275-04:002018-06-26T11:56:57.275-04:00Hello, J-Canuck.
In the way of kayo singer memori...Hello, J-Canuck.<br /><br />In the way of kayo singer memorial halls in Tokyo, there's actually Hibari Misora's house-museum in Meguro (I think). Otherwise there's Masao Koga's on the outskirts of Shibuya. That's all I know for now.<br /><br />I suppose you're also right with the singers back then wanting to give off the air of competence, although there were some exceptions like Haruo Minami and Minoru Obata. Now, however, it seems like everyone's trying to out-smile each other. How times have changed.Noelle Thamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02869350840856391942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501670448657416824.post-84917573728109694792018-06-25T19:14:00.919-04:002018-06-25T19:14:00.919-04:00Hi, Noelle.
Yes, a lot of people had their eyebro...Hi, Noelle.<br /><br />Yes, a lot of people had their eyebrows mightily raised when they first heard of the world's only John Lennon museum being set up in suburban Saitama. I gather that it was just the convenience of the location more than anything else.<br /><br />Ahh, yes. That's right, I think you did mention that. Well, perhaps there might be some sort of tribute hall for a kayo singer next time I'm in Tokyo.<br /><br />I take it that a serious face is probably the preferred one for performers since it may give off the feeling of competence or dedication to their craft...and for the younger folk, coolness. The smiley ones are probably the comedians.J-Canuckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09551828383307840403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501670448657416824.post-49197287885376137352018-06-24T10:57:13.352-04:002018-06-24T10:57:13.352-04:00Good morning, J-Canuck.
After this train-filled e...Good morning, J-Canuck.<br /><br />After this train-filled experience, I think I can consider myself a bit more than a Ginza Metro Line extraordinaire when it comes to planning train itineraries... A notebook was a very helpful tool, especially with all the different train timings that could drive one insane.<br /><br />As for the old folks, it's always fun to see their startled reactions, and it was flattering to become the temporary secondary attraction to Hachi's plaque. But I think the most rewarding aspects from such encounters are finally meeting other fans I can never find at home, and having such interactions serve as my bridge to the locals - my language standard is still "meh", so the next best method of communication is through enka. However, I feel that being a youngster trying to sing these classics in front of the veterans does put considerable pressure on me to live up to their expectations.<br /><br />Anyway, Saitama must have had many John Lennon fans, otherwise I don't see why a museum of a BRITISH singer is in the middle of JAPAN. As for Yujiro's, sorry J-Canuck, you're a little too late for that. It closed last year. Here's to hoping that the Ishihara Gundan will reopen it somewhere else (more accessible).<br /><br />I wouldn't be surprised if the likes of Hachi were made to look serious. With singers having to be good role models and all, I suppose goofing off ain't part of the agenda. It's either that or a serious face gives off a... sexier appeal and hence sells better? I don't know, probably in Anzen Chitai's case it did, but as for the showa era enka singers... ... Whatever it is, Hachi definitely looked better when he gave a natural smile rather than an awkward plastic one.Noelle Thamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02869350840856391942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501670448657416824.post-43390465820265580602018-06-23T14:21:12.702-04:002018-06-23T14:21:12.702-04:00Hi Noelle.
Thanks for the latest in your anecdote...Hi Noelle.<br /><br />Thanks for the latest in your anecdotes of traveling in Japan. You're right about the trains; Japan is definitely a nation of them. My anime buddy is a logistical master when it comes to scheduling rides on them so that he can get to the most remote areas.<br /><br />It was good that you could get to Kasuga's memorial hall. I know how much of a fan you are of him. Not surprised that the tour groups took so much of a keen interest in you. The older people are always so delighted when they find out that foreign tourists have such an interest in the kayo. I wouldn't be surprised if you may be asked to give a few words to the local newspaper or radio show next time. :)<br /><br />If I'm not mistaken, the only singer's memorial hall that I've ever visited was the John Lennon Museum in Saitama City (long since closed) but I've yet to visit one for a Japanese singer. Given the opportunity, I would like to drop by the one for Yujiro Ishihara.<br /><br />As for Kasuga's usually stoic demeanor, I wonder if his manager or the big boss of his managing company told him to keep the expression of a passport photo whenever performing (aside from the requisite shy and humble grin when taking applause). I've heard that all of the members of pop group Anzen Chitai were ordered not to crack a smile at all in their early days just to add to the coolness factor. It worked for a while. However, I've realized that the boys from Hokkaido were actually a group of happy-go-lucky goofballs.J-Canuckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09551828383307840403noreply@blogger.com