Manzai
- Street Comedian -

The Gidayu version of Manzai derives from the "spring" section of the Bunraku dance-drama, Hanakurabe Shiki no Kotobuki (Celebration of the Four Seasons) with spring being represented by the dance, Manzai; summer by Kaishi (Fisherman); autumn by Sekidera Komachi (Komachi at Sekidera Temple) and winter by Sagi Musume (Heron Maiden).

Based on the Jiuta version of Manzai, the dance begins with a felicitous reference to the New Year and the custom of decorating the gates and door ways with branches of pine, there then follows a prayer for the continuation of imperial rule, Ebisu dance and then a celebration of the flourishing businesses of the merchants. There are also interesting Tsukushi (listing) sections related to fish and kimonos followed by a description of the lively mood of Kyoto on New Year. The dance ends on a congratulatory ceremonial note.

- From the pamphlet of "The Nishikawa School of Japanese Classical Dance Nihon Buyo in its San Francisco Premiere Performance" -

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