As Nepal and Japan have been celebrating 60 years of establishment of bilateral relations, the performance presented by Ohmiyamae Local Performing Artists performed Japanese Traditional artist in Japanese Embassy’s premises in Kathmandu was very significant. Organized by Japanese Embassy in Nepal, the artists presented Matsuri-bayashi, Shishi-mai and Sato-Kagura art.

The group performed the first program on 4 August at Embassy of Japan and they repeated their performance at Shilpee Theater on August 5. They presented three items with traditional music of the drum, flute and other traditional Japanese instruments in front of a large local people and Japanese national leaving in Nepal.

One and half hour long traditional Japanese arts were diverse representing the Japan’s culture and traditions. Based at Kasuga Shrine in Suginami-ku, Ohiyamae Local Performing Artists is committed to preserving and carrying on the Fumabashi-ryu Hayama Matsuri-bayashi and Ohiyanmae Sato-kagura tradition. Our participating members come from both inside and outside the area and range in age from 2 to 80.

“With regard to Sato-kagura, we are one of the rare preservation societies still remaining which maintains the Kagura tradition with only ujiko shrine patrons in Tokyo,” said a performer.

The group continues its activities, centered on the presentation of Matsuri-bayashi and Sato-Kagura at regular festivals at the Kasuga Shrine. In 1984, it was registered as the first Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Suginami Ward Government.

Head of Press and Culture section of Japanese Embassy opened the program saying that this kind of program will help to enhance people to people relations and understanding the Japanese tradition and culture.

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