On Monday, October 12, Kokiriko, a traditional performing art from Toyama Prefecture, was performed by the Toyama Prefectural Association at Local Culture Table, a special stage program held during the Rakuten Kuishinbo Festival at Yoyogi Park!

Kokiriko is a traditional Japanese folk song and dance originating from the Gokayama region of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. It is said to be one of Japan’s oldest folk songs.

The performance features traditional bamboo instruments called kokiriko, as well as sasara, an instrument made of connected wooden slats, accompanied by traditional dancing.

During the performance, dancers dressed in traditional costumes showcased their distinctive movements to the unique rhythms of Kokiriko.

The stage offered another wonderful opportunity to experience Toyama’s rich cultural traditions, showcasing a different side of the region’s heritage from Etchu Owara, which we introduced in our October 14 blog post.