Japanese Minyo Folksong Performance and Lecture

Yuri Imai will talk about the history of minyo, a traditional Japanese folksong genre, and its vocal characteristics and techniques. She will also sing some songs along with shamisen, a musical instrument. The songs normally describe commoners’ lives, and they were transmitted orally over time. Minyo songs are often performed at celebrations and festivals, and often sung accompanied by shamisen. Minyo is not well known outside Japan.