About the performance :: Nagori-Afterglow

# Nagori "Afterglow" - This performance commemorates Kunishiro Hayashi's half-century career of performing art.

"Nagori" is a "Bugeki", a combined performance of drama and martial arts demonstration. The performance celebrates Master Kunishiro Hayashi's rich career in performing martial arts, spanning 50 years. It will be held at Zenshinza Theater in Musashino, Tokyo, on July 11th (Saturday) and 12th (Sunday).

Master Kunihiro Hayashi is one of the pioneers of swordfight choreography in televised samurai drama shows, and has had an incredible career spanning 50 years. He began his career in swordfight choreography with "Taikouki"in 1965, the 3rd NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) Taiga drama* * The annual, year-long historical fiction television series produced by the NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation).

Enjoy "Bugeki", a magnificent combination of secret techniques from all styles of Japanese traditional martial arts and portrayal of the rich fabric of Japanese daily life.

"Bugeki" finds fresh spirit under the direction of Brazilly-Anne-Yamada, whose recent work in both theater and television has shown her as one of the most talented young scriptwriters and theater directors to emerge in recent years.

Master Kunihiro Hayashi's expertise here provides a rare insight into often-misunderstood culture of Japanese traditional martial arts.

# What is "Bugeki"?

"Bugeki" is a performing art pioneered by Master Kunishiro Hayashi, aspiring to a new form of "traditional Japanese performance culture" in the spirit of Noh or Kabuki. It is an entertaining show, combining numerous Japanese traditional martial arts, swordfight choreography for TV shows and movies, music and illumination effects. It has been highly praised in Japan, and also in the United States and Netherlands.

"Bugeki" showcases rare techniques and handweapons of Japanese traditional martial arts, performed in such a way as to allow the audience greater understanding, such as in slow motion.

# Plot

Kuni-san, the head teacher and owner of Hayashi martial art school has been working hard for the martial arts tournament that commemorates the school's 50th anniversary. One day after going to the public bathhouse, he saves a young girl from ruffians, only to receive a bizarre surprise! The girl bears a startling resemblance to his wife, who went missing 25 years ago. Is he related to the unknown girl? What happened to his missing wife?

In the tournament, Kuni-san meets an old disciple who was expelled from the school long time ago. After the tournament, the characters look back on their lives.

# Example of Japanese traditional martial art demonstrations during the play

Cutting practice with Japanese swords.
Iai-battoujutsu demo
Cutting practice with Naginata
Cutting Japanese radishes on neck and arms with Japanese swords
Combat demonstration by female ninjas
Rare ninja handweapon demos ( Shukou-Kagi, KagiNawa, Kunai, Sai-bou, Shikomi-tsue, etc.)
Form performance of Ryukyu traditional martial art
Handweapon demos of Ryukyu traditional martial art by female samurai
Numerous techniques of Japanese sword arts