Fantastic CD of various street selling songs and storytelling. These include gama no aburauri (the peddling of toad oil) Manga Goku (kamishibai) literally paper drama, a form of storytelling using picture scrolls or cards, Dotonbori Koshinkyoku (chindon) street advertising, especially the opening of stores and pachinko parlours, Banana no Tataki Uri (selling of bananas) and Kago no Tori (violin enka) - traditional style Japanese popular songs. Artists include Keisei Umeda, Shoichido Sendensha (chindon). 30 tracks.

Yomoyama Banashi, are usually small funny, rather inconsequential stories. 12 tracks and stories including Shojosaku Shinkon Hakone No Ichiya, Amanoya Rihe, Tengu no Hana and Urimono. Storytellers include Sanyutei Enryu and Utaiyako.


Price:   £13.99

Haikara songs, are Japanese traditional songs but with a supposed 'Western refinement'. 24 tracks dating back about seventy years including Kamakura Bushi, Tochiriton, Gicchonchon, Haikara Song, Hokai Bushi and Murasaki Bushi. Artists include Yanagaya Sankisho. Fascinating.

Tokyo's old town of Asakusa used to be the centre for traditional entertainment, such as comedy and music. These songs, dating back to around the 1920s and 30s were all popular tunes in Asakusa. These include Koi wa Yasashi, Koi no Tameni (Asakusa Opera) and tributes to the kings of silent movies, Chaplin no Shobofu and Goyu Lloyd. Includes live recording from the last show at one of the original theatres in Asakusa. Artists include Enoken, Rikizo Tagaya. Songs come with some commentary explaining the songs (in Japanese).


Price:   £13.99

Sumo Jinku is the song like voice that introduces a sumo bout. The referee, or yobidashi announces or sings the names of the two sumo wrestlers. The 21 tracks on this CD are performed by ex-sumo wrestlers, including Tochizakura and Morinosato. The tracks include Yose Daiko, Ichiban Daiko, Osaka Basho, Nagoya Basho, Kyushu Basho, Sakuya no Jishin, Hana Otoshi, Furoya, Tsuru to Kame and Makura Uta. A must for any sumo fan!