Català
EnglishKOKIRIKO -The Ancient Japanese Folk Song-
Director: Kazutoshi Satou
Producer: -
Producer Company: -
Agency: -
Client: -
Country: Japan
Synopsis
In the Gokayama region of Japan, people continue to live in harmony with nature, preserving time-honored traditions amid lush surroundings. Among these traditions is Kokiriko—believed to be Japan’s oldest folk song—passed down with care through generations in the World Heritage-listed gassho-style villages. Kokiriko traces its roots to dengaku, a form of traditional performing art. In this dynamic expression, musicians known as jikata play classical instruments while dancers perform a rhythmic, energetic dance using a traditional percussion instrument called the sasara. Originally part of agricultural rituals to pray for a good harvest, Kokiriko conveys gratitude and reverence for the eternal cycle of life that sustains abundance. In the video, Mr. Iwasaki of the Kokiriko Preservation Society shares that visiting Gokayama allows one to truly feel the breath of life. We invite you to experience Kokiriko—a sacred song and dance offering, carried across time, dedicated to the enduring rhythms of nature and life.
Objectives
The film aims to introduce Kokiriko, Japan’s oldest known folk song, as a living cultural treasure that connects people to the rhythms of nature, tradition, and community. By showcasing the music, dance, and landscape of Gokayama, the film seeks to deepen international appreciation for Japan’s intangible cultural heritage. It also aspires to inspire viewers to visit regions like Gokayama, where tradition is not preserved in a museum, but lived daily by its people. Through this, the film encourages cultural preservation, intergenerational transmission of traditions, and mindful travel rooted in respect and discovery.
