Ceremonial court music suggestive of ancient times echoed from a boat docked on the Meguro River, while dancers in brightly colored masks and attire moved elegantly, creating a mystical atmosphere for those watching from the road and a nearby bridge.
The Shinagawa Funagaku event is an expression of Japanese elegance that has been held by the Gagaku Doyukai, a group that passes down the art of court music, for more than 50 years.
Though the group suspended performances and other activities for nearly half a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Sept. 21 performance on the boat marked a new "embarkation."
The Tokyo-based group had canceled almost all of its activities -- including performances, rehearsals and lessons -- since March.
The ensemble used to have about 70 members, but many have suspended their participation to stay at home or for other reasons, bringing the number of active members down to 30 or 40.
Regular rehearsals finally resumed in mid-August. Using a school near Shinagawa Shrine, where they usually practiced, gave them almost double their normal space with the lower number of participants.
And by implementing infection-control measures such as the use of plastic sheets and hand sanitizer, the group was able to prepare for the performance.
"I hope we can move toward resuming all kinds of activities, using this performance as a breakthrough," said one of the performers, Ryo Fujiwaki, 40.
The boat performances were initially scheduled to be held four times this year. However, Funasei Ltd., the river cruise company whose boats the group rents, has been hit hard by the pandemic. In part to support them, Gagaku Doyukai decided to hold eight performances.
"We're so grateful for the support," Funasei President Ken Ito, 70, said. "Times have been tough, but I want us to work together to do something great."
The performances "will be imbued with hope for more tranquil times," said director Saburo Fukuoka, 62.
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