andu amet started 2024 under the theme "Spice it up! Live it up!"
In this column, we'll occasionally share how andu amet's staff are enjoying a spiced-up life, amidst various bittersweet experiences.
Vol.2 PR Staff, Junko
Hello, I'm Junko, the PR staff at andu amet. I usually work on tasks like press release creation to communicate the fascination of our products and brand concept, but my "soul work" also involves spreading the captivating art and culture of Ethiopia in Japan.
Among these efforts, one significant focus in recent years has been the "Folk Song Exchange Project" bridging Japanese and Ethiopian folk music. This February, I traveled with a Japanese folk music unit to Ethiopia, collaborating with local musicians in a joint concert.
You might wonder, why Japanese and Ethiopian folk songs? Interestingly, these folk traditions share several intriguing similarities. For instance, their musical scales—unlike the Western octave's seven notes, both utilize the pentatonic scale of five notes. They also share distinct singing techniques using the "kobushi"(vibrato), and composition of instruments used for accompaniment.
Japanese folk music, alongside Ethio-jazz, enlivens the global music scene. Even for me, what I encountered while initially being engrossed in Ethiopian music, was Japanese folk music. Recently, there has been increasing opportunities for folk music units to perform in clubs and festivals, challenging traditional styles with experimental approaches. It was only a few years ago that I began to take interest in Japanese folk music, having previously focused solely on Ethiopian music in my playlist. Adding folk songs as a "spice" broadened my horizons significantly.
The unpredictable chemistry born when these two distinct musical heritages meet—artists from both sides respecting and inspiring each other—fueled the creativity that sparked the "Japanese × Ethiopian Folk Song Exchange Project."
Today's pioneers of reviving folk songs for the Reiwa era sometimes lower the hurdles associated with these traditional tunes through casual workshops. I've joined these sessions several times, finding great joy in singing from the gut. Each time, we receive printed lyrics, adding to our repertoire of folk song variations. Where I always keep these printouts, safe from folds and stains, is the "Clutch"—formerly, my laptop carry case.
This Clutch is genuinely perfect for both note-takers and digital enthusiasts alike, and it fits a pen case with ease. Its design effortlessly blends with off-day attire too. Hang it by the strap or use it as an inner bag; its slim profile ensures it won't bulk up your load.
The Shubu-Shubu Collection featuring the Clutch emerged amidst a severe leather shortage in Ethiopia during the pandemic's onslaught in 2021, championing an upcycling ethos using fabric remnants.
Coinciding with this, my personal endeavor—the "Folk Song Exchange Project"—was born. When the pandemic shuttered live music, musicians from both nations embraced a reverse thinking approach: virtual sessions culminating in music videos, showcased at online music festivals. This initiative unearthed the value of connecting Japanese and Ethiopian folk music, leading to cross-country collaborations and successive live performances.
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Through the twists and turns of my secret role in this project, etched deeply within the "Shubu-Shubu (local term for "wrinkles") Clutch," it has become an even more cherished and deeply meaningful companion, carving life's wrinkles alongside me. I look forward to nurturing it with care and having it continue to play a vital role.
#spiceitup!liveitup! #colorsofanduamet
