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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)

Shibayama,Art

Activities growing up in Peru

(1930-2018) Nisei born in Peru. Taken to the United States during WWII.

Shibayama,Art

Family's deportation from Peru to U.S. after the bombing of Pearl Harbor

(1930-2018) Nisei born in Peru. Taken to the United States during WWII.

Shibayama,Art

Denied redress as a Japanese Peruvian

(1930-2018) Nisei born in Peru. Taken to the United States during WWII.

Kato,Alfredo

Japanese vs. Peruvian identity (Spanish)

(b. 1937) Professional journalist

Kato,Alfredo

Peru Shimpo for the Nikkei community (Spanish)

(b. 1937) Professional journalist

Kato,Alfredo

Escaping to a small village in the mountains during the World War II (Spanish)

(b. 1937) Professional journalist

Kato,Alfredo

Post-war experiences in Lima (Spanish)

(b. 1937) Professional journalist

Kodani,Mas

A Japanese American gardening dance

Senshin Buddhist Temple minister and co-founder of Kinnara Taiko.

Kansuma,Fujima

Dancing in Japan as an American, in the US as Japanese

(1918-2023) Nisei Japanese kabuki dancer

Kansuma,Fujima

Different learning style in Japan and the United States

(1918-2023) Nisei Japanese kabuki dancer

Kansuma,Fujima

Both Japanese and American identities though Japanese dance

(1918-2023) Nisei Japanese kabuki dancer

Kansuma,Fujima

Hardship to be a Kabuki dancer as a woman

(1918-2023) Nisei Japanese kabuki dancer

Kansuma,Fujima

Do my best as a professional dancer

(1918-2023) Nisei Japanese kabuki dancer

Shinki,Venancio

We go to America (Spanish)

(b. 1932-2016) Peruvian painter

Shinki,Venancio

Memories of my infancy: Japanese 1, Japanese 2… (Spanish)

(b. 1932-2016) Peruvian painter