As many of my friends and students know, I am a fan of traditional Japanese music and I love going to the various summer festivals where I can enjoy the live performances. I especially love listening to the deep sounds of taiko drums and also joining in the various dances performed at these festivals. The “Bon Odori” (盆踊り) is one of my favorites. It’s so much fun to join in with people of all ages and enjoy a warm summer night out at one of these festivals. The recent warm weather has reminded me that summer is just around the corner and that means countless summer festivals to attend!
So, in my latest adventure in the series “Exploring along the Kintetsu Osaka Line” I decided to head out to… Kintetsu Yao Station (近鉄八尾駅) and check out what is considered the birthplace of Kawachi Ondo (河内音頭), a Japanese folk song that was born in Yao City (八尾市), which is in the old Kawachi region of Japan. This folk music, always accompanied by a taiko and shamisen, is used to tell stories of famous people or events in Japanese history. The birthplace of Kawachi Ondo（河内音頭）is Joukouji Shrine in Yao City. 常光寺 (八尾市).
There is a famous summer festival held every year around Obon（お盆）called the “Kawachi Ondo Matsuri” (河内音頭祭り) accompanied by a huge Bon Odori （盆踊り）and attended by many famous singers. This year’s festival will be held on the last Saturday and Sunday of August. I will definitely be there with some friends and students! 2009河内音頭祭り!
Joukouji Shrine (常光寺) is located about a 10 minute walk from Kintetsu Yao Station (近鉄八尾駅) on the Kintetsu Osaka Line (近鉄大阪線) about 25 minutes from Kintetsu Namba Station (近鉄難波駅)。
The area surrounding Joukouji Shrine （常光寺）is also a lively one with several shopping arcades and a unique East Osaka feel to it.
I have many students from Yao City （八尾市）studying with me at Smiths School of English in Fuse（スミス英会話布施）because it’s very convenient for them. I enjoyed learning a little more about Yao City （八尾市）recently and I encourage you to check out the Kawachi Ondo Matsuri this summer in Yao City! 八尾市の河内音頭祭り2009!
Enjoy,
Alessandro “Alex” Stanciu
アレッサンドロ”アレックス”スタンシュー
Smith’s School of English Fuse
月謝制 の スミス 英会話 布施 校
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