Happy 4th of July – Enka (Ayako Fuji)

Fuji Ayako-san

One of the proudest traditions here at the Abandoned Factory, is kicking back with some Enka on the 4th of July. Last year it was Yoko Nagayama, and while nothing says “4th of July” quite like a beautiful woman in a kimono playing a shamisen, this year we are going to spell Independance A-Y-A-K-O, as in Ayako Fuji.

Yeah, a beautiful woman in a kimono dancing in front of the moon. If you can’t be happy with that, shame on you. George Washington DIED so I could link to that video. For the true patriots, here”s even more. First, a very moving performance of Michinoku Banka:

Here’s an old one. Because of the set, she appears to be a young wife abandoned:

There’s something so poignant about this woman’s music. I think it’s the sound of FREEDOM. This one just can’t be beat:

Well, I could watch Ayako Fuji videos all night, but I would end up drunk and rambling about how cherry blossoms seem so much more beautiful as the rain sweeps them into the sewer and out of sight forever. So I’ll leave you with just one more, Murasaki Ujoh:

Have a happy, and safe, 4th of July!