Online Taiko Lesson – Sohma Bon uta

In this online taiko lesson, we’ll be exploring Sohma Bon Uta. Sohma is the old name for the Northeastern part of Japan, today known as Fukushima. Sohma Bon Uta celebrates a great rice harvest and is one of the most popular Obon Festival songs.

To my teacher, Mr. Yoichi Watanabe of Amanojaku, Sohma Bon Uta was one of the benchmarks for determining whether a player understood the aesthetics of Bon Daiko.

This song also holds a special place in my heart because a grew up playing taiko with a friend from Fukushima. I remember how devastated the region was after the March 11, 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown. Today things are finally just beginning to return to normal. Whenever I play this song, it helps me keep things in perspective.

Sohma Bon Uta Lyrics

This year is a good harvest
The tassels of the crops are heavy with rice
Rice can be harvested from even the grass on the roadsides

When rice can be harvested from even the grass on the roadsides
Money grows on the mountain shrubs

Here come the dancers
Even better than the fall harvest itself

I’ve danced too much and tried to sleep
But the faraway sound of the festival keeps me up

Here come the dancers
Even better than the fall harvest itself

Bon Daiko Classes at Los Angeles Taiko Institute

I teach Bon Daiko every Friday night from 8-10PM at Los Angeles Taiko Institute in Torrance, CA. Please let me know when you would like to drop in!

Date and Time: Fridays from 8-10PM
Place: 20909 S Western Ave Torrance, CA 90501
Fees: $26 per session
Contact: isaku@taiko.la

Private Lessons and Skype Lessons

I also offer private lessons and online taiko lessons via Skype from my studio in San Pedro. Please let me know when you would like to schedule a lesson!

Place: 1300 S Beacon Street San Pedro, CA 90731
Fees: Private Lessons $60/hr, Skype lessons $40/hr
Contact: isaku@isakukageyama.com

Subscribe to My Newsletter for More Taiko Lessons!

Subscribe to Mailing List

Donate to Help Create More Lessons and Content

Donate