My Town Inagi 2017 Mr. Kunihiko Wakabayashi

Wakabayashi, who was born and raised in Daimaru, is in charge of the flute at the Daimaru Hayashi Preservation Society. Influenced by my older brother, I started playing music at the age of 10, and have continued practicing while stepping up to dance, taiko, and flute.
In September 2016, he won the 1st All-Japan Yokobue Competition. The competition, held in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, was a format in which the winners advanced to the finals after the first selection by video and the second selection on stage. The performances of two songs were competed, and the selection was made with the required song "Hirosaki Neputa Hayashi" and a free song.
The 10 finalists of the competition performed on stage in front of the audience. Mr. Wakabayashi chose the original "Wakabayashi" as a free song. This song is an arrangement of the familiar Daimaru Hayashi. Beginning with a nursery rhyme that everyone has heard, it gradually shifts to a crisp rhythm of music. While playing, he assembled the composition of the song and performed a performance that can be heard.
Looking back on the day of the tournament, he said, "I performed so that I could convey the music of Tokyo to the whole country." The flute-like timbre, strength and weakness of the sound, and sharp finger movements were highly evaluated, and they won the championship.
We usually practice twice a week on days when Daimaru Hayashi is practicing.
The results of our practice are shown at festivals held at Osamu Tonomameten Shrine, the Daimaru Yousui Renge Festival, and festivals in other regions and cities.
When I asked him about his future prospects after becoming number one in Japan, he said, "It's because of Daimaru Hayashi that I've been able to continue until now. I want to convey to the children that the culture will never die out. I want to be a good teacher." I was.

Mr. Wakabayashi's performances are posted on the video sharing site "YouTube" in addition to each festival.