Our Town Inagi 2017: Kunihiko Wakabayashi

I want to pass on tradition and connect it to the future.

Mr. Wakabayashi, born and raised in Omaru, is in charge of the transverse flute at the Omaru Bayashi Preservation Society. Influenced by his older brother, he started practicing bayashi at the age of 10, continuing to practice while stepping up to dance, drums, and transverse flute.
Won the championship at the "1st National Flute Competition" held in September 2016. The competition, held in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, involved a preliminary selection through video submissions, followed by a secondary selection on stage, with the winners advancing to the finals. Participants competed by performing two pieces: the designated piece "Hirosaki Neputa Bayashi" and a free choice piece.
The competition featured 10 finalists performing on stage in front of an audience. Mr. Wakabayashi chose the original piece "Wakabayashi" for his free selection. This piece is an arrangement of the familiar Omaru Bayashi. It starts with a well-known children's song and gradually modulates into a sharp, lively rhythm. While performing, they constructed the musical arrangement and showcased an engaging performance.
Reflecting on the day of the event, they said, "We performed to convey Tokyo's traditional music to the whole country." The sound typical of the flute, the dynamics of the music, and the precise finger movements were highly praised, leading to a splendid victory.
Regular practice is held twice a week on the days of Omaru Bayashi practice.
The results of the practice are showcased at the festivals held at the Omiya Shrine, the Omaru Yosui Renge Festival, and other festivals in different regions and cities.
Becoming number one in Japan, when asked about future prospects, they said, "It is because of the Omaru Bayashi that we have been able to continue until now. I want to pass on our culture to the children so that it never fades away. I want to be a good leader."

Mr. Wakabayashi's performances are available not only at various festivals but also on the video sharing site 'YouTube'.