Nippon to Asobo《11-15》

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 11th October 24-25, 2004
Shoren-in Temple

Fantasy in Blue

The fantasy evoked by the blueness was like the blazing radiance of the blue Cetaka of Shoren-in Temple, a sacred dream that is a source of beneficence through the ages. The music of the hand drum and transverse flute, the calligraphy of Souun Takeda, and the harmonies of the gospel choir created a dynamic and beautiful experience.

Performers:: Souun Takeda (calligraphy), Meisho Tosha (yokobue; transverse flute), Roetsu Tosha (tsuzumi; Japanese traditional hand drum), Hitoshi Yagi (synthesizer), TAKEO DIALOGUE CHOIR (gospel choir), ZAHATORTE (vocals / musical performance).

The 12th November 6-7, 2005
Shokoku-ji Temple

Western Winds, Eastern Lands

Shokoku-ji, a Zen temple associated with Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, was established in medieval times, a period of fusion between cultures of the samurai and the nobility. A fantastical performance was held here with the melody of the shakuhachi and dancing, accompanied by the Portuguese music of Fado, in a beautifully-lit space.

Performers:: Genzan Miyoshi (shakuhachi; bamboo flute), Mariko Takayasu (dance), Mio Matsuda (vocals).

The 13th October 29-30, 2006
To-ji Temple

Flowers on Earth, Blossoms in the Heavens - A festival of light and sound, bringing the heavens and earth together

The Five-Story Pagoda (National Treasure) at To-ji Temple is the tallest of Japan's ancient pagodas. Incorporating a homage to Kobo-Daishi, the Noh play and piano provided a wonderful stage for bringing east and west together.

Performers:: Michael Nyman (piano), Tatsushige Udaka (Kongou-ryu Noh lead performer), Ryuho sasaoka (flower arrangement, headmaster designate of Misho-ryu Sasaoka), Yayoi Noda (Koto; Japanese harp, Ikuta-ryu Sokyoku).

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The 14th October 21-22, 2007
Manpuku-ji Temple

The Faraway Continent

Going back approximately 300 years in time, Yinyuan Longqi founded Manpuku-ji, Obaku-san, a temple that retains the spirit of Chinese culture on the land of Yamashiro Uji. In the cool serenity of Yamauchi, the Japanese drums and Chinese erhu echoed creating an atmosphere fusing Kyoto and Chinese influences.

Performers:: Chen Min (erhu), BONTEN (Japanese taiko drum), Chai Limin (biwa; japanese lute) with four others; Bifu Nakatani (fourth generation headmaster of Sencha-Bifuryu), gospel choir (gospel).

The 15th October 26-27, 2008
Shimogamo Jinja

The Ancient Love Story

The Tale of Genji is a romance that has enthralled for a thousand years. The story has been read by countless people over the centuries, and reflects the lightness and darkness of human nature. One part of this story was presented at Shimogamo Jinja in Tadasunomori, which was established in the Heian Period.

Performers:: Madeleine Malraux (piano), Hiroki Sato (recitation), Yutaka Oyama (tsugaru shamisen; a three-stringedmusical instrument), heian gagakukai (Japanese traditional music).