A woman who first came to Japan some 40 years ago remembers that in those days there were many dinner clubs that featured dancing and floor shows. One act she has never forgotten: A Chinese family sat in a row at a table with the grandmother in the middle and the youngest at the two ends. They were dressed in gorgeous Chinese robes and headdresses. To begin, the grandmother raised her hands and a jet of water suddenly appeared at the tip of each forefinger. They were passed to those at her right and left. Immediately, other jets appeared and were passed along the table. When they reached the end, they were passed back again until the performers created a wondrous fountain. All the while their facial expressions did not change. Except for their rapidly moving hands, there was no motion. It was a popular act but after a year or so, it disappeared. She wonders if there is any place where it can be seen now.
Few who saw Mizu-gei, or water magic, would ever forget it. It began sometime around 1670 and originally was done with dolls. In those days, animated dolls, "karakuri ningyo," were popular and were often used on festival carts where they performed acrobatics and other quite amazing acts. Another type of doll could walk into a room, serve a cup of tea to a guest and wait respectfully while he drank it. When the cup was returned to the tray, the doll turned around and left the room. You can see displays of these dolls occasionally at department stores and at "matsuri" where the ancient art is continued. One of the best is the spring festival in Takayama.
The water act is not hard to explain but is extremely difficult to coordinate. There are water tubes in the performers' kimono sleeves. The water jets are choreographed by people backstage who control them along with the musical accompaniment.