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The kimochi surpasses technique (Spanish)

(Spanish) Even though it is certain that the dance [eisa] is the same all over, in every group we perform the same dances; of course, each group [has] a different theme, and [depending on] the theme of transmission [the dances] have minor differences, the most important [difference] is that each group characterizes itself by something. For example, the branch in Brazil is quite numerous, [it] has many members, [and it] has many local groups within Brazil. The branch in Argentina has a very pure technique. What they have always told us is that the Peruvian branch is characterized by what is known in Japan as kimochi, which is to say the desire to [execute] a performance in the moment of doing it, so much so that at times -- something we need to improve on -- the kimochi surpasses the technique. Therefore, at times, sometimes the dance doesn’t execute as perfect as we had wished, but it is clear that the desire and emotion, as well as the happiness or solemnity that the kids transmit at the moment of their dancing, which makes the people watching able to identify with the dance.


dance eisa (dance) folk dances Okinawa Peru

Date: September 14, 2007

Location: Lima, Peru

Interviewer: Harumi Nako

Contributed by: Asociación Peruano Japonesa (APJ)

Interviewee Bio

Akira Watanabe Osada was born on October 6, 1974, in Lima, Peru. His grandparents are Japanese immigrants who came to Peru from Fukushima Ken. An engineer, Akira is also director of the Peru branch of the Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Group. Founded in 1999, the branch grew out of the festivities commemorating Japanese immigration to Peru. Akira promotes the Okinawa eisa dance throughout the country. As a member of this group, Akira has performed quite often in Peru, which the most important of these performances have been the centennial celebrations marking Japanese immigration to Peru (1999), and the Centenary of Okinawense Immigration to Peru (2006). (September 14, 2007)

Konishi,Toshiro

Integrating As First-Generation Japanese-Peruvian (Japanese)

(b. 1962) Japanese restaurant owner and chef in Peru

Konishi,Toshiro

Peru Representative vs. Japan Representative (Japanese)

(b. 1962) Japanese restaurant owner and chef in Peru

Konishi,Toshiro

World-Renowned Peruvian Cuisine (Japanese)

(b. 1962) Japanese restaurant owner and chef in Peru

Konishi,Toshiro

Fusion Cuisine (Japanese)

(b. 1962) Japanese restaurant owner and chef in Peru

Konishi,Toshiro

Thoughts on Japan (Japanese)

(b. 1962) Japanese restaurant owner and chef in Peru

Konishi,Toshiro

Bento menu for hostage incident (Japanese)

(b. 1962) Japanese restaurant owner and chef in Peru

Yamashiro,Michelle

Okinawan Americans

Okinawan American whose parents are from Peru.

Yamashiro,Michelle

General reasons why people left Japan for Peru

Okinawan American whose parents are from Peru.

Yamashiro,Michelle

Parents identification as Peruvian Okinawan

Okinawan American whose parents are from Peru.

Yamashiro,Michelle

Prejudice against Okinawans from mainland folks

Okinawan American whose parents are from Peru.

Yamashiro,Michelle

Working together in Okinawa using three languages

Okinawan American whose parents are from Peru.

Naganuma,Jimmy

Forcibly deported to the U.S. from Peru

(b. 1936) Japanese Peruvian incarcerated in Crystal City

Naganuma,Jimmy

Memories of childhood in Peru

(b. 1936) Japanese Peruvian incarcerated in Crystal City