NAGOYA - A woman in Nagoya has dedicated her life to the traditional street performance profession of chindonya, reviving the colorful art form through an all-female troupe that entertains and inspires audiences with music.
At the Hadaka Festival held in Inazawa, Aichi Prefecture, in February, the group Bentenya led the parade of community associations offering kagami-mochi rice cakes. Based in Nagoya's Moriyama Ward, Bentenya is made up entirely of women and has been invited to perform at the event for 15 consecutive years. Their lively hair, flamboyant costumes, and skilled musical performances have earned them a strong reputation.
"When I told the organizers 15 years ago we'd come with about 10 people on a truck, they said, 'That sounds too quiet.' But when we asked Bentenya, they said 'Of course!' and from then on, the event really came alive," said Nagoya Moriyama Community Association’s Nagano.
"We perform with prayers that misfortunes will be lifted from everyone," said Suzy, the troupe's leader.
All members of Bentenya are musicians, and their energetic performances are one of the highlights of the events they attend.
Suzy, whose real name is Miho Yokoe, runs Bentenya from her home-office known as "Suzy House" in a residential area of Nagoya. She handles everything from scheduling and client outreach to paying her team members.
"I thought this could be a profitable job if I worked hard, but it’s been tough. I just need to keep pushing harder," she said.
Suzy fell in love with the saxophone during her university days at Kinjo Gakuin University and began performing in a band. Even after entering the workforce, she continued her musical activities, blending jazz with Japanese pop songs. Her lively spirit often drew comments from audiences comparing her to a chindonya.
One day, a fan invited her to perform at a trade show in chindonya style. The reception was so positive that she decided to leave her company and fully pursue the profession 15 years ago.
"I wondered what I could do as a woman, as a person. If being a chindonya could bring happiness to people, then maybe this is the best job I could ever do," she recalled.
Although it's financially difficult for all seven members to sustain themselves solely through chindonya work, Suzy remains committed to sharing the joy of life through music.
Her parents, who initially opposed her unconventional path, have come to support her.
"I was strongly against it at first. I just hoped she would marry and live a normal life," said her mother, Takako.
Her father, Shusuke, who also played in a jazz band as a student, added, "In the end, I believe she should follow her passion."
In April, Bentenya took part in the All-Japan Chindon Contest held in Toyama City, where 28 groups from across the country competed in musical skill and comedic flair. Suzy and her team stood out once again.
"Continuing to play the music I love and never giving up on chindonya has brought joy to others. That alone makes it all worth it," Suzy said.
Source: Nagoya TV News
