Characteristics of actions for sliding walk technique in Japanese traditional performing art

Abstract

This study analyzed Hakobi, the sliding walk, as one of the representative performance techniques in Japanese traditional performing arts and we tried to explain the rhythm called "Jyo-Ha-Kyu" with the quantitative data. Methods: We recorded Hakobi of 4 Kyogen performers in the video image. Performers included the person designated as a Living national treasure. Experimental conditions were controlled by time condition (T) and spatial condition (S) variously. Hakobi was examined from the viewpoint of the time requirement (A1), the number of steps (A2), time ratio of each step among the total time (A3), and the timing to step the foot forward (A4). The step that changed the speed was extracted (E1), and their skills for speed adjustment (E2) were discussed. Results: We found three remarkable skills of Kyogen performers. First; the 2nd Step or the 3rd Step was used for acceleration, and the Last Step was used for deceleration (E1). Second; not only the number of steps but also the length of step was used for adjustment of spatial condition (S). Finally; if the conditions are right, time delay on the 2nd Step or the 3rd Step was recognized (E2). By utilizing these skills, non-monotonous rhythm and tempo was produced. We identified that this rhythm and tempo were used for making "Jyo-Ha-Kyu" of Hakobi. Especially, it was suggested that a process from "Jyo" to "Ha" has regularity following natural logarithm. Conclusions: This study succeeded in clarifying that the difficulty of Hakobi of "Jyo-Ha-Kyu" depended on the embodiment of its natural logarithmic rhythm.