A study on the original use of the term “Buyo” nad how the term was used in the Meiji Era

A Discussion Centered on Ochi Fukuchi

Abstract

It's been generally considered that the term “Buyo” was made by Shoyo Tsubouchi. But the term was used by Ochi Fukuchi before him. The purpose of this study is to clarify that the term used by Ochi Fukuchi is the origin of “Buyo” being used today. The method of study is as foll ows:
1. To clarify where and now the term was used.
2. To examine the background datum.
The results out of the procedures written above are summerized as follows:
1. There is a use of the term in the “Kaiojidan” and there are seven uses in the “Engekihimitsudan”
2. He called the “Ejanaika-Odori” by people “Buyo” in the “Kaiojidan”.
3. In the “Engekihimitsudan” he used the term to grasp and improve conditions of Japanese-Opera. He called the movement with Kyokufushi (music) “Buyo”. And emphasized that it was important to the opera. His ideal was Western-Opera but he thought the tradition of Japanese-Opera was also precious.
On there grounds I have come to the conclusion we may say that the term “Buyo” used by Ochi Fukuchi is the origin of “Buyo” being used today.