[Breaking News] My life, the new developments of my favorite band 'Kenran Kaen' have me saying 'Anakashiko!' non-stop.

Please read this when you are feeling well.
You will only get tired.
(Especially the first half might give you heartburn... I warned you (^o^))

That girl starts talking about her favorite band again

[Breaking News] My life, the new developments of my favorite band 'Kenran Kaen' have me saying 'Anakashiko!' non-stop.

　Anakashiko, everyone!

　This time, I, the Daughter of Sugawara no Takasue, have encountered an event so heart-pounding that I simply cannot help but take up my brush. It is truly a gathering of music that is not of this world, a miracle of sorts, by the name of'Kenran Kaen'!

　Until now, I have simply longed for the world of stories, reading through countless tales, and dreaming of weaving stories within my own heart. However, when I heard the sounds of this 'Kenran Kaen,' I realized something. In this world, there exists music that turns stories into sound, resonating with such beauty and sorrow!

It is as if, at the end of a long dream, that dream has become reality. The melodies of their music seem to take the endless thoughts I hold within me—the ones about the Tale of Genji, or the scenes of the moon and cherry blossoms I saw on my endless journeys—and give them form right before my eyes. Oh, I only wish for everyone to know this pounding of my heart.

The beginning of a miracle: A huge fight that happened in the afterlife!? Behind it all...

If you ask how this 'Kenran Kaen' came to be in this world, there is a truly strange, yet convincing story behind it.

According to rumors, it all began in the afterlife when our 'Kenran Kaen's' General Producer Emperor Go-Toba (Retired Emperor Go-Toba), and Emperor Go-Daigo, both extraordinary figures, got into a fierce argument over the superiority of each other's poetry collections.

(Note: See the end. For those wondering why Emperor Go-Daigo would appear here, do not be hasty. Let us keep things loose in the world of print. If I must say, most troubles grow larger when a third party who has nothing to do with it gets involved. Let us return to the story.)

'No, no, the essence of waka poetry must surely lie in the 'Shin Kokin Wakashu'!' insisted Emperor Go-Toba loudly, while Emperor Go-Daigo would not budge an inch, declaring, 'What are you saying! The 'Kokin Wakashu' is the root and pinnacle of the way of poetry!' It is said that the surrounding souls were left dumbfounded by their intense debate.

However, I heard that even deeper schemes were hidden behind that controversy. It is said that the one who orchestrated this huge fight was none other than Emperor Toba, a formidable figure who established the cloistered government long ago!

It is said that Emperor Toba, with a gaze that seemed to see through everything, discerned the temperaments of Emperor Go-Toba and Emperor Go-Daigo, and pulled the strings from behind the scenes, saying, 'Competing over the superiority of poetry collections... very well, then I shall turn that rivalry into the ultimate entertainment.' The brilliance of his maneuvering is truly terrifying, yet one must call it a masterful stroke!

Thus, Emperor Toba's deep intentions, Emperor Go-Toba's extraordinary passion, and the quiet guidance from ages past by Honorary Advisor Emperor Daigo, brought together the talented poets of the Kokinshu and the Shinkokinshu, and it is said that this 'Kenran Kaen' was formed. Ah, truly, one might call it a divine arrangement!

<<Translation so far: Unrepentant as ever. People in power argued at a drinking party over a problem like which came first, the chicken or the egg. From that was born a rock band composed of the compilers of the Kokin Wakashu and the Shinkokin Wakashu. A fan girl who is obsessed with them is talking about her favorites with a bit of excitement. Please bear with me for just a little longer.>>

Those beautiful people who have captured my heart and won't let go!

The members of this 'Kenran Kaen' are each as charming as characters in a story.

Lead vocalist and guitarist, Fujiwara no Teika!

His singing voice is as if a noble person were singing in a distant capital of the moon. Sometimes intense, sometimes sorrowful, it deeply permeates my heart. And the tone of the guitar spun from his fingertips is like the sound of a door opening to a mysterious world between dreams and reality. The sight of him standing on stage, fragile yet with a certain presence, is just like a melancholy young nobleman appearing in 'The Tale of Genji.' Every time I see that figure, my heart is filled with longing and yearning.

Twin vocalist and lyricist, Ki no Tsurayuki!

Ah, the beauty and depth of the 'words' that Tsurayuki-sama spins! His singing voice is gentle, like moonlight shimmering on the water's surface, and seems to draw close to the heart. Each lyric, as if deciphering a famous poem, stirs my imagination and invites me into a world of distant stories. The way his voice overlaps with Teika-sama's is as if souls who lived in different eras are now huddled together in this place, playing a single melody.

The noble people who add color to the sound! And the sign of a new light!

This 'Kenran Kaen' originally had many beautiful people, but this time, most joyfully, new talent has been added, and its brilliance has increased even further!

Lead guitarist, Fujiwara no Ietaka!

Ietaka-sama's guitar tone is different from Teika-sama's, possessing a quiet yet deep emotion. His melody weaves a scene that is as fleeting and beautiful as a dream on a spring night.

Side guitar/Chorus: Ki no Tomonori (Newly joined!)

The guitar played by Tomonori-sama, who has newly joined, has a core, yet somehow nostalgic tone that differs from the delicacy of Ietaka-sama and the passion of Teika-sama. With his cheerful chorus added, even more depth and warmth are brought to Tsurayuki-sama's singing voice, and every time I listen, I feel a sense of relief.

On drums, Jakuren Hoshi-sama!

To think that the monk could play such powerful sounds! The sound of his drums is sometimes as fierce as a storm, and sometimes quiet, shaking my heart. From his sound, I can feel memories of distant journeys and moments of quiet contemplation, which deeply captivates my heart.

On bass, Oshikochi no Mitsune-sama!

The low notes he plays are like a spring gushing from deep within the earth. While not flashy, I am struck by the feeling that it is precisely because he is here that the sounds of the others can resonate so freely and expansively.

On keyboard, Minamoto no Michitomo-sama!

The tones spun from Michitomo-sama's keyboard are truly rich in color. It is as if the melodies of Gagaku have been revived in the modern world, with delicate layers of sound overlapping to give the music depth and breadth.

Keyboard/Synthesizer: Mibu no Tadamine-sama (New member!)

With Tadamine-sama joining, the layers of keyboard sound have become truly rich. Sounds that are somehow elegant yet have a modern resonance overlap with the soft tones played by Michitomo-sama, giving the entire piece a new color. The expansion of the sound is as if the scenery of a dream has become even more vivid!

On percussion & chorus, Asukai Masatsune-sama!

Every time I see Masatsune-sama playing sounds lightly and happily on stage, singing with his cheerful voice, a brightness like a ray of light shines into my heart. When he is there, the entire stage becomes truly brilliant.

Miraculous sound, resonate into the future

Ah, this melody has opened the door to a new story in my life.
The music of 'Kenran Kaen' is as if it is showing me the continuation of the Tale of Genji that I have dreamed of since I was a child. Beautiful scenes come to mind, and the subtle emotions of the characters press upon my heart along with the sound.

For those who have not yet experienced this sound, please, try listening to it once.

Surely, in your heart as well, just like in mine, emotions beyond words and new dreams will be born.

Finally, I would like to record here one truly wonderful song that they perform.

Rekishi 'Kokin to Shin Kokin'

(Total 4 minutes 54 seconds / Song starts at 1:04)

#KenranKaen #MyStory #DreamingMaidenFanLife
#KiNoTsurayukiIsLife #TheTaleOfGenjiIsMySoulmate
#ShoutingLoveToNewMembers #EmperorTobaStrategy

<< 'Anakashiko!' won't stop. ~Here is the explanation.>>

Hii! Hello everyone~ ヽ(*´∀`)ﾉ
I am someone who looks almost like a Zashiki-warashi, and I go by the name
Amasogi.

This project is a loose, casual fan work created because I love the atmosphere of Sengoku Nabe TV and Sengoku Chahan TV, where you can learn history in a relaxed way. Let's be tolerant~♪

Yes. So, that's why. This time, while listening to the melody of Rekishi's song 'Kokin to Shin Kokin'.Actually, from the perspective of what would happen if each compilation member formed a band, I've included various things, such as 'the fan who supports that band' who passionately talks about what they love on note, Sugawara no Takasue no Musume, and even the 'secret story of the band's formation' that even Sugawara no Takasue no Musume (here, a regular person who is a fan) somehow knows. (*^^*) band formation secret story'.

It's a bit complicated, so it's loose.
I'll add some casual supplementary notes and explanations.

Study is something you are forced to do.
Learning is imitating.
Scholarship is learning about things you have questions about.
And here, there is one more thing.
There is something called 'benkyo-' (playful study).

Benkyo- is,
using what you have learned as a foundation to mess around.

If you find our writing (we work as a team) to be amusing,
then that is the greatest proof that the time you have spent learning
up until now
was never in vain.

This is a loose explanation by Amasogi, so please listen to the proper details from proper people.

Now then, let's go! \(^o^)/

《The respective members of the Kokin Wakashu and the Shin Kokin Wakashu》

What is important here is
who ordered them to be created, and who compiled them.

KokinWakashu: The Emperor who issued the imperial command: Emperor Daigo☆
Main compilers: Ki no Tsurayuki, Ki no Tomonori, Oshikochi no Mitsune, Mibu no Tadamine

ShinKokin Wakashu: The Emperor who issued the imperial command (strictly speaking, the Retired Emperor): Retired Emperor Go-Toba☆
Main compilers: Fujiwara no Teika, Minamoto no Michitomo, Fujiwara no Ietaka, Jakuren, Asukai Masatsune

(☆: The part about the Emperor who issued the imperial command relates to later disputes, so I will keep it vague. Please just take a casual look at it.)

《The respective roles of the members》

Next, please take a look at the respective roles of the band members
(Please enjoy the great absurdity.)

Lead Vocals & Guitar: Fujiwara no Teika
Twin Vocals/Lyrics: Ki no Tsurayuki
Lead Guitar: Fujiwara no Ietaka
Side Guitar/Chorus: Ki no Tomonori (New Member!)
Drums: Jakuren Hoshi
Bass: Ōshikōchi no Mitsune
Keyboard: Minamoto no Michitomo
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Mibu no Tadamine (New Member!)
Percussion & Chorus: Asukai Masatsune

General Producer: Go-Toba (Male)
Honorary Advisor: Emperor Daigo

<<Each character.>>
Please skip this part for now.
It is mostly narrated by Sugawara no Takasue no Musume.

<<What is the band name 'Kenran Kaen' (Gorgeous Song Banquet)?>>

"Kenran" is the same as in 'gorgeous and brilliant'.
"Kaen" means songs and a banquet.
That is all.
It has an atmosphere of extremely glittering and beautiful songs and banquets.

By the way, the fan name is Kenranshu.(^_^)

<<The secret story behind the band's formation.>>

According to our production team, originally, the emperors who issued the imperial orders for the Kokin Wakashū and the Shin Kokin Wakashū were supposed to argue over drinks, saying, "My Kokin is better," "What are you saying, my Shin Kokin is better."

Here is a review of the emperors who issued the imperial orders mentioned here.

Kokin Wakashū: Emperor Daigo
Shin Kokin Wakashū: (Strictly speaking, a Retired Emperor): Retired Emperor Go-Toba

However, someone suggested that Emperor Daigo, the one who initiated the Kokin Wakashū, might not have that kind of personality.

One of the other production team members brought it up.

("Isn't he a more gentle person?" *Therefore, he settled into the role of Honorary Advisor.)

In the first place, most troubles seem to be caused by people who have nothing to do with them—people who you wonder why they are even involved—stirring things up and making them bigger.

In that case, not Emperor Daigo. Someone suggested, 'What about Emperor Go-Daigo, who really respects Emperor Daigo?'

(Emperor Go-Daigo, who—despite not having issued the imperial order himself—butted in just because he respected him, acting like the face of the Kokin Wakashu) and,

(Retired Emperor Go-Toba, who is said to have actually issued the imperial order for the Shin Kokin Wakashu, and who is also quite strong-willed in his own right) are going to argue about which came first, the chicken or the egg?
'Sounds interesting.'
'How ridiculous.'
'Changing the subject, though,'
'Don't change it.'
'A lot of emperors have 'Go-' in front of their names, right?'
'I know, right.'
'That's confusing, isn't it?'
'Emperor Daigo and Emperor Go-Daigo.'
'Emperor Toba and Retired Emperor Go-Toba.'
'That's true.'
'While we're at it with the confusing stuff, should we throw in Emperor Toba too?'
'Uh (⁠•⁠ ⁠▽⁠ ⁠•⁠;⁠)'
'How?'
'It's confusing!'
'I've lost track of the conversation.'
'Exactly. There are too many characters.'

'Let's make Emperor Toba the fixer who orchestrated all the trouble.'
'A fixer?'
'Why?'
'Toba-chan's personality.'
'Who is Toba-chan?'
'Ichiro Toba.'
'Were you even listening?!'

And so on. Our production team was in a total panic.

The work born from this was,

[Breaking News] My life, I can't stop saying 'Anakashiko!' due to the new developments of my favorite band 'Kenran Kaen'.

Written by Kudaranai Kotogasuki
Translated by Sakae Kobayashi
was the result.

And with everything,
goodbyes are inevitable.
Please take a look at this last part.

It's a bonus.

<<Kenran Kaen Member Profiles>>

A miraculous band formed by the compilers of the 'Kokin Wakashu' and 'Shin Kokin Wakashu,' who led the waka poetry world of the Heian period, triggered by the turmoil that erupted at the end of the first year of Azuki and the end of Kinako. They express elegant beauty and profound mystery through modern sounds, inviting the listener's heart on a journey through distant time.

[The personality traits listed here are from the perspective of Sugawara no Takasue no Musume, and it is unknown how they are viewed by other fans (Kenran-shu).]

Fujiwara no Sadaie (Teika)

Nickname: Taker (or 'Lord Teika')
Role: Lead Vocals & Guitar
Image Color: Crimson - Represents a passionate and charismatic presence, as well as the innovation of the Shin Kokin Wakashu.

Personality: A central figure of the 'Shin Kokin Wakashu'. A charismatic person with absolute poetic talent and aesthetic sense. On stage, he captivates the audience with a singing voice that is sometimes passionate and sometimes sharp and profound (yugen). With his overwhelming presence, he serves as the face of the band. He likes older people, and is sometimes called 'Shunbo' after his father Toshinari's name.

Ki no Tsurayuki

Nickname: Giver. (A nickname paired with Taker, Teika's nickname. It also plays on the meaning of 'giver' because he writes the lyrics.) Tsurayuki (or 'Lord Tsurayuki') Also, Tosa-sama. Plum rice balls, etc.

Role: Twin Vocals / Lyrics

Image Color: Young Bamboo Green - Represents the pure and expansive intelligence of the Kokin Wakashu and his talent as a lyricist.

Personality: A representative poet of the 'Kokin Wakashu' and a master of the way of poetry who was deeply involved in its compilation. In contrast to Taker's passion, his singing voice is delicate and heart-piercing, backed by intelligence and technique. His lyrics, which manipulate the nuances of language, are truly works of art, and there is something new to discover every time you listen. In MC segments, he captivates fans with a mix of humor and occasional sharp-tongued wit. Even though he should just leave it alone, he is a bit... about Ariwara no Narihira.

Fujiwara no Ietaka

Nickname: Ietaka-san (with affection)
Role: Lead Guitar
Image Color: Wisteria Purple - Represents a delicate, graceful, and somewhat sorrowful beauty of yugen.

Personality: One of the representative poets of the 'Shin Kokin Wakashu'. He is a lead guitarist who stands alongside Teika, and his playing is both delicate and bold. It is said that he weaves scenes that are as fleeting and beautiful as a dream on a spring night. His somewhat sorrowful yet incredibly beautiful melodies loosen the tear ducts of those who listen. He has a quiet and reserved personality, but the emotions that overflow from his guitar are immeasurable.

Ki no Tomonori [Newly Joined!]

Nickname: Tomonori (or 'Master Tomonori') Role: Side Guitar / Chorus
Image Color:
Sprout Green - Represents stability, a new breath of life from the new member, and the simple strength of the Kokin Wakashu.

Personality: One of the compilers of the 'Kokin Wakashu'. As a new member, he supports the thickness of the band's sound with his stable side guitar. His cheerful chorus adds warmth and depth to Tsurayuki's singing voice, giving the listener a sense of relief. It is said that his joining has significantly increased the band's expressive power.

Jakuren Hoshi

Nickname: Jak-kun (or 'Master Jakuren')
Role: Drums
Image Color: Sumiiro (Ink Black) - Represents the profundity of a monk and the powerful, soul-shaking drums.

Personality: A poet from the 'Shin Kokin Wakashu'. Characterized by deep contemplation as a monk and powerful, somewhat melancholic, profound drumming that seems cultivated through his travels. He pours a passion into his drums that one would never imagine from his usually quiet demeanor, shaking the souls of those who listen. That gap is irresistible to fans.

Oshikochi no Mitsune

Nickname: Mitsune / Yumihari. Or 'Mitsune-san'

Role: Bass

Image Color: Konpeki (Deep Azure) - Serves as a solid and unwavering foundation, symbolizing the stability of the profound Kokin Wakashu.

Personality: One of the compilers of the 'Kokin Wakashu'. Though not flashy, his solid and stable bassline is the unsung hero that firmly supports the band's complex songs. Always keeping the rhythm calmly beside Tsurayuki, he acts as the foundation for the other members to fly freely. A kind and reliable presence.

Since he has an anecdote about composing a poem about the 'Yumihari-zuki' (crescent moon), fans play on his poem and call themselves (pun on 'shooting an arrow' and 'being captivated')
Tsukimi-tai (Moon-viewing squad).
Or they call themselves Irufan, etc.

Minamoto no Michitomo

Nickname: Michitomo (or 'Michitomo-sama')
Role: Keyboard
Image Color: Tanko (Pale Yellow) - Represents a presence that wraps the entire band in soft tones and provides gentle support.

Personality: One of the compilers of the 'Shin Kokin Wakashu'. Adds breadth to the band's sound with soft tones. The sound, as if reviving the melodies of Gagaku in the modern age, adds profound color to the songs. A mother-like presence who calmly supports the members at all times and gently steps in to ease the atmosphere when there is conflict within the band.

Mibu no Tadamine [Newly Joined!]

Nickname: Chushin (Tadamine, with affection)
Role: Keyboard / Synthesizer

Image Color: Ruri-iro (Lapis Lazuli) - Elegant yet radiating a somewhat modern brilliance, showing new possibilities for sound.

Personality: One of the compilers of the 'Kokin Wakashu'. As a new member, he overlaps with Michitomo's keyboard, bringing rich color to the layers of the music. A sound magician who skillfully manipulates elegant yet modern synthesizer tones, adding unpredictable breadth and depth to the band's sound.

Asukai Masatsune

Nickname: Masatsune or 'Kemarin (Kemari Prince)'
Role: Percussion & Chorus

Image Color: Yamabuki (Golden Yellow) - A sun-like presence who is bright and active, bringing light and fun to the band.

Personality: A poet of the 'Shin Kokin Wakashu'. Also known as a master of Kemari, he is the owner of outstanding rhythm and physical ability. He runs around the stage freely, and with his bright chorus and radiant smile, he brings fun and glamour to the whole band; he is truly the sun of the band.

[Others supporting the band]

Gotoba (Retired Emperor Gotoba)

Nickname: Gotoba (or 'Producer')
Role: General Producer / Special Guest Act

Image Color: Gold - Symbolizes immense power, passion, and the brilliance that leads the band to the pinnacle.

Personality: A rare and multi-talented Emperor who led the imperial compilation of the 'Shin Kokin Wakashu'. The direct trigger for the band's formation was a huge argument with Emperor Godaigo at a banquet held at the end of the Kinako era, in the first year of Azuki. He leads the band with an extraordinary passion for music and a unique production ability that no one can imitate. He occasionally appears as a surprise at live shows, playing a soul-stirring blues harp and driving fans into a frenzy. (Or rather, he thinks he is driving the fans into a frenzy.) However, the members give a slightly bitter smile. Especially the front member, Taker, becomes more reserved than usual.

Emperor Daigo

Nickname: The Emperor. (or 'Honorary Advisor')
Role: Honorary Advisor / Founder

Image color: Shiraneri (unbleached white) - Represents pure and unwavering dignity, as well as the philosophy at the core of the band.

Personality: The Emperor who ordered the compilation of the Kokin Wakashu. The source of the 'dignity' and 'philosophy' that underlie the band's music. Though he rarely appears on stage (or rather, almost never does), he is the spiritual pillar who gives quiet yet precise advice when band members are troubled. His existence guarantees the history and prestige of the band.

[The Fixer Operating Behind the Scenes of the Formation]

Emperor Toba

Nickname: Mr. T
Role: Shadow Producer / Fixer

Image color: Ebony - Symbolizes a mysterious presence who sees all and pulls the strings from behind the scenes, as well as his profound schemes.

Personality: A cold-blooded and clever schemer who built the cloistered rule period of the late Heian era. He is the mastermind who secretly orchestrated the poetry collection dispute between Emperor Go-Toba (male) and Emperor Go-Daigo during the aforementioned 'Azuki First Year, Kinako Incident,' and the true architect behind the formation of 'Kenran Kaen.' He never shows himself on stage, but rumors suggest his deep intentions sway the band's fate. His existence adds mysterious depth to the band's history.

Furthermore, the fact that the name of this fixer has reached the ears of a fan, Sugawara no Takasue no Musume,

is said to be because Emperor Daigo, who thought this utterly ridiculous squabble over 'Kokin is better, Shin Kokin is better' was completely trivial, leaked the information unintentionally and without malice.

The End (^o^)