A circle of friends connected by goo touch! The “FIST BUMP” corner of the radio program “GRAND MARQUEE” features people who live and enjoy Tokyo in a relay format.
On January 2, Paris Nakayama, a strolling guitarist, will appear. We asked him about his activities as a strolling guitarist（Nagashi）, the history of Nagashi, the “Heisei Nagashi Association,” which he founded, and the “All Japan Nagashi Association,” which was formed by three groups of nagashi.
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“Nagashi” style of performing at restaurants in response to requests
Celeina (MC): Today, we have a recommendation from the program, Paris Nakayama, who is a strolling guitarist(Nagashi).
Takano (MC): What exactly is the Nagashi?
Paris: I don’t know exactly, but a Nagashi is a person who comes to bars and other places at night and plays in response to requests from customers. They have been around since the Showa period (1926-1989), and it seems to be traditional to play guitar, accordion, or violin.
Celeina：Paris Nakayama-san, I understand that you play the guitar. Where do you usually perform?
Paris：I started playing at Kameido Yokocho in Kameido, and have been at Ebisu Yokocho in Ebisu since 2008. I am also active there and go to various places such as Harmonica Yokocho in Kichijoji and Tamai in Mizonokuchi.
Celeina：How often are you active?
Paris：Four times a week, but sometimes I go five or six times if there is a lot of activity.
Takano: I am interested in the Nagashi system. I have an image that Nagashi starts guerrilla style, but how does it work?
Paris: I think it is possible to do it guerrilla style, but we ask the stores for permission beforehand. We do it so that it is a win-win situation for both us and the store. In most cases, guerrilla activities do not go well. However, I think there is a sense of guerrilla-like beginning for the customers.
Takano: It is true, because the playing starts all of a sudden. But the audience gets really excited, too. Moreover, you are able to answer requests.
Celeina：How many songs do you have in your repertoire?
Paris: Right now, I have about 2,000 songs, officially.
Takano: 2000 songs! What kind of songs, for example?
Paris：It depends on the age group, but the standard ones that all generations know are Spitz, Southern All Stars, and Yumi Matsutoya. People of all generations love them, so I sometimes sing them several times a day.
Celeina：By the way, do you only go to one restaurant a night as a Nagashi? Or do you go to several?
Paris：On many days, there are more than a dozen stores in one area, so we make a circuit and visit many different stores. After performing at the store that requested us, we go to the next store.
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Requests to the Nagashi is selected from a pamphlet
Celeina：I have never made a request to a Nagashi before, but I would like to do so in the future, so please tell me about the etiquette.
Paris：I myself had never met a Nagashi before I became a Nagashi, and I started my activities just by watching and imitating them. Basically, Nagashis have a kind of pamphlet, and I have a pamphlet too.
Celeina：We have Paris’s pamphlet in the studio.
Paris: There is someone in the store with a guitar, so I can get a little bit of attention, so I give them the pamphlet as if to say, “I am answering your requests,” and if they have a song they like, they can choose it.
Celeina: I see.
Paris：After the performance, if they are satisfied or happy with the performance, we receive a tip.
Celeina: We can pay the tip with electronic money such as PayPay.
Takano: That’s very modern.
Paris: Some people don’t carry cash these days.
Celeina:I appreciate it. And in the pamphlet, there is also your social networking information. If I check your social networking site, can I know where you will be today?
Paris：Yes. I am giving out information.
Takano: It is possible to go to a restaurant just to see Paris-san, isn’t it?
Paris: If possible, that would be better for the restaurant.
