Nippon to Asobo《6-10》

Expressing the sprit of Japanese hospitality, aesthetic and customs, events uniquely representing Kyoto were held in temples and shrines, combining cherished and ancient culture with the ways of today in a bold and spectacular manner. It is our challenge to develop and pass down Japanese culture through a new attempt only Kyoto with a history of well over a thousand years enables. This event began in 1994, the 1,200th anniversary of the Heian Kento. We had 20 times Nippon to Asobo, it came to an end in 2013.

The 6th November 25-26, 1999
Heian Shrine

Eternal Messenger

Taking place at the end of millennium, Nippon to Asobo was held at the Heian Shrine, which was built to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the Heian Capital founding... The performance provided a fantastical mixture of light and sound, Japanese and Western that in ways resembled a prayer offered for the next 1000 years.

Performers:: Laurant Korcia (Violin), Jose Antonio (Guitar), Jose de la Margara (Cante), Genzan Miyoshi (Shakuhachi Flute), Toetsu Tosha (Drum), Kyoto Boys Choir.

The 7th November 5-6, 2000
Nijo Castle

Continuing the Japanese Spirit Journey into the 21st Century

Nijo Castle has stood to witness Japan's history, including the glory and the decline of the Tokugawa Dynasty and the transfer of power back to the Emperor. It is the appropriate location from which to pass on the ancient Japanese spirit, the elegance of Kyoto to the 21st Century. As part of the search for peace in the new century, big name stars from japan and around the world gathered for this event.

Performers:: Shonosuke Okura (Drum), Sayoko Yamaguchi (Performance), Yoshiji Yamanaka (and other Noh Accompanists).

The 8th November 11-12, 2001
Chion-in Temple

Under the moon, enraptured by the flowers

Leaving thought to antiquity, forgetting time and surrounding oneself to chic enjoyment. The first Nippon to Asobo of the 21st Century was held at Chion-in Temple, over it's the bosom of Higashiyama has watched over the city of Kyoto.

Performers:

The 9th October 20-21, 2002
Gion Kobu Kaburen-jo Theater

The enjoyment of beauty and dance

Kyoto's famous entertainment district, Gion, is a place where the Kyoto sensibility flows through the air and the people who make up Gion have an intense sense of aestheticism. The Gion Kobu Kaburenjyo Theater, home to the spring tradition Miyako Odori, saw the creation of a chic and beautiful Kabu Kuogen world that included Kyogen, Kyoto, and Kyomai.

Performers:: Wu Ru-jin (Kyoto Player, Singer), Shime Shigeyama (Kyogen), Ippei Shigeyama (Kyogen), Geiko Maiko Group (Kyomai Dance).

The 10th September 4-5, 2003
Hakusason-so, Shunjyuza Theater

Living under the flowers and the moon, playig with the flowers and the moon

Commemorating the 400th anniversary of Kabuki, OKUNI, based on the founder of the art from Izumo-no-Okuni, was written for this event. Centering on the performance by Ukon Ichikawa, it was a work on a grand scale that was a fusion of Kabuki, Japanese drums, and gospel music.

Performers:: Ukon Ichikawa, Emiya Ichikawa, Enya Ichikawa, Danjiro Ichikawa, Koutaro Ichikawa, 21st Century Kabuki Group, Miyuki Ikeda (Japanese Drum) Taeko&Dialogue.