Compositions and Adaptations

Major Compositions

• Chumoncho (based on a work by Izumi Kyoka)
• Shunkinsho (based on a work by Tanizaki Junichiro)
• Gekka Dokushaku (based on a work by Li Bai)
• Takiguchi Nyudo (based on a work by Takayama Chogyu)
• Saikaku Gonin Onna, Hannya, and Ajisawa (based on works by Encho)
• Isedochu, Yuki Onna, Nara Meguri, Tengu, Otsuru and Ryozo
• Suigetsu Jowa (words and music by Wakasanojo)
• Han Han Kyogen Monogatari (words and music by Wakasanojo)
• Yume ka Utsutsu ka Monogatari (words and music by Wakasanojo)
• Oo’yama Sankei Soudou (words and music by Wakasanojo)
• Juni’shi Nagaya Aki no Utage (words and music by Wakasanojo)

Children’s Stories

• Yain no Mori no Naka (based on a fairy tale by Miyazawa Kenji)

Shinnai and Traditional Dance

• Ukishima no Matsuri (words and music by Wakasanojo)
• Suetsumuhana
• Summer Morning (words and music by Wakasanojo)
• Hatsu Hi no Matsu (music by Wakasanojo)
• Hanjo (words and music by Wakasanojo)
• Kumo no Ito (The Spider’s Thread, based on a work by Akutagawa Ryunosuke; shinnai adaptation by Wakasanojo)

Ryukyu Dance

• Fune Ichiyo (based on a work by Shimazaki Toson)

Story Telling

• Chiccha na Kamisan (based on a work by Hiraiwa Yumie)

Adaptations from gidayu

• Sonezaki Shinju, Meido no Hikyaku, Sanju’san Gendo, Osono

Works by Enomoto Shigetami

• Osakaya Hanadori, Kasamori Osen, Yae no Shiomichi, Shinagawa Shinju, Tojin Okichi, Botan Doro

Adaptations for shinnai by Miyakawa Ichiro

• Takase Bune (based on works by Mori Ogai); Jusan Ya and Nigorie (based on works by Higuchi Ichiyo)

Shinnai-style plays by Enomoto Shigetami

• Akegarasu Sanba Kiseibun, Wakadanna Kando Shimatsuki, Tsuya Iro Noriaisen, Shichiyakura Toshikoshi Sodo, Konjaku Hizakurige

Shinnai music for traditional dance

• 2 CDs (3,000 yen each including tax but not shipping and handling). To purchase, please contact Nihon Buyosha.

Shinnai Theater

Wakasanojo is endeavoring to expand the number of shinnai fans through various innovations. “Making the audience happy through seeing and listening” is one of his mottos. His innovative works include shinnai theater, collaborations with the Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo puppet troupe, and a collaboration with a one-man play.

In addition to continuing to perform traditional shinnai works, Wakasanojo has written numerous new compositions and created shinnai music for dance. Recently, he has performed more than 50 of these new works, including Shunkinsho, Takiguchi Nyudo, Takase Fune, Jusan Ya, Chumoncho, Yain no Mori no Naka (based on a fairy tale by Miyakawa Kenji), Ukishima no Matsuri (a play with dance), Shinagawa Shinju, Ajisama, and Shiba Hama (based on a rakugo work).

Among these, Takiguchi Nyudo, which was adapted, composed, and directed by Wakasanojo, is an epoch-making work, involving a collaboration of four traditional genres: shinnai, Noh, recitation (reading), and puppetry, with background music by traditional musical instruments such as the sho, three types of shamisen, yoko-bue (Japanese transverse flute), shakuhachi (a vertical recorder-like instrument), and tsutsumi (hand-held drums).