Nanjing Tamasudare ( A Kind of Street Performance )
Nanjing Tamasudare is one kind of street performance. A placemat-size bamboo screen is changed into shapes to be likened to various objects as the performer sings a song. It has come to be very popular among the people because the bamboo screen is inexpensive to get and the technique is easy to learn.
Historical Background The origin of Nanjing Tamasudare is believed to date back to the end of the Edo period ( 1603-1867 ). Though it is called Nanjing ( a city in China ), it is unique to Japan. The bamboo screen for Nanjing Tamasudare was adapted from a musical instrument used for folk music of the Toyama region in Japan.
Paraphernalia Split bamboo sticks are fastened together into a rectangular sheet a little over 30 cm on each side. The way in which the cotton strings are tied enables the sheet to be twisted into different shapes and even transformed into a rod.

Technique A variety of shapes can be made from what appears to be an ordinary bamboo screen such as fishing rod, a bridge, a shop sign or a branch of a willow tree.　For example: by holding the knots toward the body of the performer, thrust it forward. The sheet then magically turns into a fishing rod.
*Reporter’s Comment* When I was first introduced to Nanjing Tamasudare, I had no idea what I was about to witness. What amazed me was that when I tried, I was able to make “ a willow tree” and “ a bridge “ myself. And I realized if I were to focus on practicing, I would be able to succeed in making more difficult shapes. It was like a magic show. I hope many people come to know how much fun it is.