The Resurgence of Nagashi with Showa Tunes, Hypnosis, and Magic in Reiwa’s Alleyways

“I myself perform balloon art as a street performer, and I believe that as long as it’s an act that can entertain the customers, it can be incorporated into the ‘nagashi’ format.

By reaching out to people within earshot and saying ‘Want to give it a try?’ those who started have been gathering even more people, and now, performers from various genres are active as nagashi,” said Endo (E).

Indeed. A major difference from the Showa-era “nagashi” is the vast expansion of its genres. In addition to singers, the street performance scene in Reiwa now includes various performers such as balloon artists, magicians, hypnotists, and caricature artists.

As the street performance culture gains momentum, the “Heisei Nagashi Union” led by Nakayama, “YOI×Gei” by Endo, and another group called “Kashiwa Nagashi” from Chiba have become central figures. In 2023, for the first time in Japan, these street performance organizations joined forces to establish the “All Japan Nagashi Association.”

“Each group brings performers with their own unique traits. My group often accepts people who make you wonder, ‘Can this really be considered street performance?’ On the other hand, Paris’s group sticks to the traditional guitar-based street performances, attracting people who admire him, including many second-career individuals—like former executives of foreign banks,” said Endo (E).

The world of street performance is a tough one, where income is solely based on tips

Street performing, especially in the “nagashi” tradition, might seem like a leisurely pursuit for those who love music and have some confidence in their instruments or voice, but it’s far from an easy path. Many enter the profession thinking of it as a fun way to enjoy their later years, but the reality is more challenging.

“Inside the venue, there are those who want to sing and have fun, and those who prefer a quiet drink. Sometimes, when there’s excitement and requests, someone at a nearby table might shout, ‘It’s too loud!’ It’s all part of the live experience. Those with more experience know how to read the room, avoid causing discomfort, and handle situations. If someone nearby is bothered, they know how to approach it. Many newcomers struggle and leave because they can’t manage these situations,” says one performer (P).

Street performance is often misunderstood as a transitional job or a temporary fix, but it’s a tough profession that requires real skill. Of the 20 newcomers who enter every year, only a few remain in the game. It’s a harsh reality.

When it comes to the system of individual performances like “nagashi” (street performers offering personal entertainment at tables), is it unique to Japan?

“In terms of performance, there’s a concept of table hopping in Western countries, where magicians or balloon artists move around restaurants to perform for customers. Like Japan, they also work on a tipping system, and in some cases, the venue may provide a guaranteed fee for the performers,” explains another performer (E).