The Wakaba matsuri (若葉まつり) in Takao

On April 29th, the Wakaba matsuri, an annual Spring event in Takao, was held near the cable car station. It was my first time to attend that event, because last year I was called to an ozashiki party on the day of the event.

At this event, Hachioji’s geisha perform outside and the mountain climbers can enjoy seeing our performance free of charge.

We were to perform several songs, so we had a joint practice session before the event.
Although I have started to get used to playing the shamisen at such events, I felt excited.

On the actual day, we left the okiya at noon.
My geisha mother and the geisha mother of another okiya took us to the venue in Takao in their cars.

During Golden Week, the weather was not good, however on the day of the Wakaba matsuri it was fine.

When we arrived at the parking lot near the venue, there were already many mountain climbers, so we were very surprised.

At first we set up the microphones and played some parts of the songs in order to check the sound volume. While we were checking the sound, the mountain climbers watched us curiously.

We were scheduled to perform 2 times; at 2pm and 3pm.
My regular customer, who had paid for my geisha wig, was coming to watch the 2pm performance.
Beforehand, when he told me he was coming, I felt very glad.

After we checked the sound, we took a rest in the waiting room of the cable car company.

While we were waiting near the stage, it became very hot. Especially since some Zikata players, such as the shamisen players and percussionists, were wearing black kimonos. Sweat was pouring!

Unfortunately we were short 1 microphone for the 3 shamisen players and the percussionist, so I couldn’t use a microphone.
To tell the truth I wanted to use a microphone.
Since we played outside, if I didn’t use a microphone, the audience wouldn’t be able to hear my shamisen. However there was nothing I could do, so I decided to play the shamisen with all my heart.

I felt the time went quickly but I was satisfied because I could play the shamisen without making any big mistakes.

After the second performance we left Takao, and prepared for our ozashiki parties at our respective okiyas.
I really enjoyed the Wakaba matsuri.