Kumamoto Yokai Tour Part 1: "Kodama"

How are you all doing?

This is Kotaro, a biwa storyteller.

It's already the end of the year.

Everyone, even though we are in a period of self-restraint, have you all enjoyed your own yokai life?

The other day I happened to take a trip to Amakusa in Kumamoto Prefecture to visit a certain monster, accompanied by some biwa music.

There are many different kinds of Kumamoto monsters, but the most famous ones are probably the ancient camellia spirit and the oil spirit.

This time, the first instalment of our Kumamoto Yokai Tour is "Kodama," the second instalment will be "Ancient Camellia Spirit" in the peak of camellia flowers in February, and the third instalment will be "Aburasumashi" in March.

Well, what we have done is,Nishihira Tsubaki Park – Kumamoto Prefecture Amakusa Tourism Guide (t-island.jp)That's right.

Nishihira Tsubaki Park is home to approximately 20,000 camellias, which bloom beautifully during the flowering season from January to March. This time, I went to check out the buds as a preview.

This year there are apparently more buds than usual.

And it was just the time when camellia flowers were in full bloom.

It's so beautiful...

I also saw a few early-blooming camellias, including white camellias.

It's beautiful.

You may be wondering why I came to Nishihira Tsubaki Park this time, even though it is not the peak of the camellia season.

In fact, there is an old tree in Nishihira Tsubaki Park that is not a camellia.

Tadaa!!

It is called "Ako Tree."

This must be an echo for sure!!

Don't you think the roots that wrap around the huge rock look as if they might start moving at any moment?

I was able to come across something good.

thank you.

So, what do you think?

The next Kumamoto Yokai Tour will feature the "Ancient Camellia Spirit"! We'll be back to cover the event when the camellia buds bloom!

Happy New Year everyone!

(Written by Kotaro, a Biwa Storyteller)

★Introducing Yokai Lover★

Kotaro the Biwa Storyteller

A biwa player playing the Higo Biwa, a nationally designated intangible cultural asset.

Aiming to become a beloved biwa player, I perform in various places in human form and as a yokai "Biwa Tanuki." Please contact me on Twitter for inquiries about performances and performance experiences!

Twitter Biwa Storyteller Kotaro twitter.com/biwagatarikota