At the Kuwano Shrine, a filming session was conducted by the local TV station, Kita Nippon Broadcasting (KNB). I had the opportunity to talk briefly about the history of the shrine and the future of the region, but since it was an impromptu conversation, I regret not being able to convey everything as well as I had hoped.
That evening, the filming coincided with a “Etchu Isami Taiko” experience for tourists from Paris, France, and at the same time, a Taiko-related segment was also filmed. After finishing their work, several members of the Taiko group gathered at the practice area next to the shrine. When the four tourists and their interpreter arrived, an impressive performance began right away. Despite being a practice space, the powerful performance captivated everyone, no matter how many times you hear it.
In the final part of the performance, the tourists had the opportunity to try playing the taiko, and the venue was filled with smiles and laughter. During the chat time afterward, one of the French visitors expressed how much they loved Japanese culture and revealed that they had visited Japan over ten times. From their words and behavior, I could sense a deep love for Japan that went beyond just admiration.
Each time I interact with visitors from abroad at the Kuwano Shrine, I am reminded of the preciousness of Japanese culture. However, I also feel that many Japanese people may not realize its greatness. Through the shrine’s rituals, lion dances, and Taiko performances, I hope more people can experience the charm of Japanese culture.
At Kuwano Shrine, after the rituals in March, September, and October, lion dances and Taiko performances are offered. Please feel free to visit the shrine and experience the charm of Japanese culture firsthand.
The “Icchan KNB” news program on Kitanihon Broadcasting (Aired on January 29, 2025, at 18:30).
You can watch the news footage from here: The “White Snake” Shrine Gains Popularity in the Year of the Snake – Attracting Visitors from Overseas and Contributing to the Revitalization of Sankyo Village.
