The final round of the 62nd national Esashi Oiwake competition was held in Esashi, Hokkaido, where singers delivered expressive, soaring performances accompanied by the shakuhachi and the chant “Soi!” A total of 278 people competed across the junior, general and senior divisions.
The final round of the national competition for Esashi Oiwake, known for its wistful melody, was held in Esashi, Hokkaido. Participants sang to shakuhachi accompaniment and the chant “Soi!” as they aimed to become Japan’s finest singer.
The national competition was held over 3 days from the 18th, with contestants competing in the junior, general and senior divisions. The 278 participants, both male and female, ranged in age from 6 to 93.
The junior division was won by Shinohara Kokomi (篠原心海), an 8-year-old third grader from Hakodate; the general division by Yasui Shizuho (安井静穂), 39, from Sapporo; and the senior division by Yamamura Yoko (山村陽子), 83, from Hakodate.
The final was held at the competition venue in Esashi. Judging focused on vocal ability, expressiveness and harmony with the accompaniment. The competition was also presented in the context of disaster recovery and the passing on of local traditions.
Participants pledged to further improve their skills as they continued to pursue the title of Japan’s finest singer.