Joun Satsuma

Background

Joun Satsuma was born in 1595.

Education

Joun Satsuma learned singing from Sawazumi-Kengyo and Takino-Kengyo.

Career

Joun Satsuma went to Tokyo in the Kan-ei Era (1624-1643) and became popular as a singer for puppet plays. His style was strong and simple. It was called Satsumabushi.

He entered Buddhist Priesthood. He trained many disciples and they made his style of singing popular, probably with the support of the Shimazus, masters of Satsuma Province (Kagoshima Prefecture). He had four distinguished disciples including Tango-dayu, Tamba-dayu, Gen-dayu and Nagato-dayu. His style became popular also in Kansai. Many modifications of his style appeared in subsequent eras.

Connections

Joun Satsuma had a son, Jiroemon II, who was also a noted singer.

Son:

Jiroemon II