TRADITIONAL PERFORMING ARTS
Tokyo Traditional Arts Program
A festival of traditional performing arts in Tokyo that everyone can enjoy
Traditional Japanese music concert “Autumn Concert under the Moon in Tokyo”
Synopsis
“Tokyo Traditional Arts Program” is for everybody. Two new events have been added to this Program this year: “Traditional Performing Arts for Kids” provides children with the opportunity to learn traditional performing arts from first-class performers for seven months, and show the result of their efforts on the big stage; and “Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony” is designed to provide an opportunity for the citizens of Tokyo as well as foreigners and tourists visiting the Tokyo area to enjoy Japanese culture and traditional tea culture. The theme of our second “Traditional Performing Arts” is “Voice - Storytelling and Chant.” The event offers a wide variety of programs, including Noh play and traditional Japanese music, Tendai “shomyo” chant, introductory workshop on traditional Japanese music, and a form of traditional Japanese music known as “Kiyomoto,” to be performed by two schools of Kiyomoto music which were once a single school but which will now costar for the first time in 88 years.
Schedule
Performance of Traditional Performing Arts by Kids (Noh and Kyogen plays)
■Traditional Performing Arts for Kids
★Application period: Thursday, July 1 - Saturday, July 31, 2010
★Trial classes/Visit: Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25, 2010/Geinokadensha
★Opening ceremony: Saturday, September 4, 2010/National Noh Theatre
★Noh play performance: Monday (national holiday), March 21, 2011/Hosho Nohgakudo
★Traditional Japanese music/dance performance: Tuesday, March 29 and Wednesday, March 30, 2011/Asakusa Public Hall (Main Hall)
★Application period: Thursday, July 1 - Saturday, July 31, 2010
★Trial classes/Visit: Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25, 2010/Geinokadensha
★Opening ceremony: Saturday, September 4, 2010/National Noh Theatre
★Noh play performance: Monday (national holiday), March 21, 2011/Hosho Nohgakudo
★Traditional Japanese music/dance performance: Tuesday, March 29 and Wednesday, March 30, 2011/Asakusa Public Hall (Main Hall)
■Traditional Performing Arts
<Hosted performances>
1. Workshop "Wonderland of Traditional Japanese Music"
Friday, August 20 - Sunday, August 22, 2010/Suitengu Pit
2. Noh play and traditional Japanese music “Four Seasons in Suda”
Tuesday, August 31, 2010/Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space (Medium Hall)
<Co-hosted performance>
1. Traditional Japanese music 【Essence of Art】 “Kiyomoto - Two pure streams into one fount -”
Tuesday, August 24, 2010/National Theatre (Large Theatre)
2. Traditional Japanese music “Risogaku (shamisen music)”
Saturday, September 4, 2010/National Theatre (Large Theatre)
3. Tendai Shomyo (Japanese Buddhist chant) “TokeTokubutsu”
Saturday, September 25, 2010/National Theatre (Large Theatre)
4. Japanese Folk Performance “Life and Festivals of Tokyo/Edo Part 2
Playacting and Storytelling - Entertainment of Ordinary People in the Town of Tokyo/Edo - (tentative title)”
Saturday, October 9, 2010/National Theatre (Small Theatre)
<Hosted performances>
1. Workshop "Wonderland of Traditional Japanese Music"
Friday, August 20 - Sunday, August 22, 2010/Suitengu Pit
2. Noh play and traditional Japanese music “Four Seasons in Suda”
Tuesday, August 31, 2010/Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space (Medium Hall)
<Co-hosted performance>
1. Traditional Japanese music 【Essence of Art】 “Kiyomoto - Two pure streams into one fount -”
Tuesday, August 24, 2010/National Theatre (Large Theatre)
2. Traditional Japanese music “Risogaku (shamisen music)”
Saturday, September 4, 2010/National Theatre (Large Theatre)
3. Tendai Shomyo (Japanese Buddhist chant) “TokeTokubutsu”
Saturday, September 25, 2010/National Theatre (Large Theatre)
4. Japanese Folk Performance “Life and Festivals of Tokyo/Edo Part 2
Playacting and Storytelling - Entertainment of Ordinary People in the Town of Tokyo/Edo - (tentative title)”
Saturday, October 9, 2010/National Theatre (Small Theatre)
■Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony
Programs are scheduled in 2 locations in the Tokyo Metropolitan area in October, 2010.
*Details of each program will be announced as they become available.
Programs are scheduled in 2 locations in the Tokyo Metropolitan area in October, 2010.
*Details of each program will be announced as they become available.
Organizers
Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo Culture Creation Project (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture), Tokyo Traditional Arts Program Executive Committee
Contact
Secretariat of the Tokyo Traditional Arts Program Executive Committee
3F, Kamiyama-cho Ogawa Bldg., 5-20 Kamiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0047
Phone: 03-3467-5421
http://www.dento-wa.jp/en
* For information about “Traditional Performing Arts for Kids,” click here.
3F, Kamiyama-cho Ogawa Bldg., 5-20 Kamiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0047
Phone: 03-3467-5421
http://www.dento-wa.jp/en
* For information about “Traditional Performing Arts for Kids,” click here.
Traditional Performing Arts for Kids
Traditional Performing Arts for Kids
Interested but feel somewhat intimidated? Is this how you feel about traditional Japanese performing arts? Yet, even now, more and more parents want their children to explore the world of traditional performing arts. The problem is the almost complete lack of programs offering children an authentic, high quality, experimental opportunity over a fixed period of time. Most available workshops for children are given either for a short period of time or as one-time-only events.
“Traditional Performing Arts for Kids” is designed to meet such needs. The children will be trained directly by professional artists in various fields for 7 months, and then present the results of their efforts on the big stage. As children receive lessons from professionals on a regular schedule, they will naturally learn both stage techniques and etiquette, and gain an understanding of the intensity of the traditional performing arts. Appearance on the big stage will give them an opportunity to feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment. They will study and learn different types of traditional performing arts and then perform on the same stage at the end of the program. This will give them the opportunity to experience the diversity and depth of traditional Japanese performing arts.
The main purpose of this program is to raise awareness of tradition among children, their families, schools, and communities to enable them to carry it to the next generation. It also helps them rediscover and deepen their understanding of cultural aspects of Tokyo. The program attracted 277 participants in 2008, and 315 in 2009. We’ve heard the excited voices of those who participated in the previous programs, expressing that they had never expected the program to be as good as it was, they were glad they participated, and they want to continue receiving lessons.
Interested but feel somewhat intimidated? Is this how you feel about traditional Japanese performing arts? Yet, even now, more and more parents want their children to explore the world of traditional performing arts. The problem is the almost complete lack of programs offering children an authentic, high quality, experimental opportunity over a fixed period of time. Most available workshops for children are given either for a short period of time or as one-time-only events.
“Traditional Performing Arts for Kids” is designed to meet such needs. The children will be trained directly by professional artists in various fields for 7 months, and then present the results of their efforts on the big stage. As children receive lessons from professionals on a regular schedule, they will naturally learn both stage techniques and etiquette, and gain an understanding of the intensity of the traditional performing arts. Appearance on the big stage will give them an opportunity to feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment. They will study and learn different types of traditional performing arts and then perform on the same stage at the end of the program. This will give them the opportunity to experience the diversity and depth of traditional Japanese performing arts.
The main purpose of this program is to raise awareness of tradition among children, their families, schools, and communities to enable them to carry it to the next generation. It also helps them rediscover and deepen their understanding of cultural aspects of Tokyo. The program attracted 277 participants in 2008, and 315 in 2009. We’ve heard the excited voices of those who participated in the previous programs, expressing that they had never expected the program to be as good as it was, they were glad they participated, and they want to continue receiving lessons.
【Production/Administration】 Japan Council of Performers’ Organizations
【Support】 Nohgaku Performers’ Association, Japanese Classical Dance Association Inc., Nihon Sankyoku Kyokai and Nagauta Association
【Genre】 Noh play (Noh chant, Noh play dance, Kyogen, and musical accompaniment of a Noh play), classical Japanese dance, three main pieces of traditional Japanese music (koto music), and long epic song (shamisen and other musical accompaniment)
【Venue】 Practice sessions will be conducted at 8 locations in the Tokyo Metropolitan area.
* For details about “Traditional Performing Arts for Kids,” click here.
【Support】 Nohgaku Performers’ Association, Japanese Classical Dance Association Inc., Nihon Sankyoku Kyokai and Nagauta Association
【Genre】 Noh play (Noh chant, Noh play dance, Kyogen, and musical accompaniment of a Noh play), classical Japanese dance, three main pieces of traditional Japanese music (koto music), and long epic song (shamisen and other musical accompaniment)
【Venue】 Practice sessions will be conducted at 8 locations in the Tokyo Metropolitan area.
* For details about “Traditional Performing Arts for Kids,” click here.
Traditional Performing Arts
Workshop "Wonderland of Traditional Japanese Music"
From songs and storytelling to shamisen, koto, shakuhachi, biwa and hand drums: Enjoy listening, singing and playing.
The program provides the opportunity for anyone to enjoy live performances as well as the opportunity to get hands-on experience of singing, storytelling, shamisen, koto, shakuhachi, biwa, hand drums, etc. through traditional Japanese music, free of charge. A living national treasure will appear in the opening live performance and dynamic young musicians will play in the closing live performance. Professional musicians will teach the participants how to sing and play in introductory workshops.
【Schedule】
18:00-19:00 on Friday, August 20: Opening live performance
11:00-17:30 on Saturday, August 21: Introductory workshops, mini-concerts
11:00-15:30 on Sunday, August 22: Introductory workshops, mini-concerts, the booth for kids’ independent research
16:00-17：00 on Sunday, August 22: Closing live performance
【Admission fees】
Admission free
* For live performances and mini-concerts, numbered tickets will be distributed 40 minutes before the start of the events and the venue opens 20 minutes before the start of the events. The quota for each event is 120 (in order of arrival).
【Details (program, etc.)】
Opening Live Performance (Large Studio)
KATADA Kisaku, a musical accompanist and a living national treasure who is closely associated with Ningyo-cho where the Suitengu Pit venue is located, will perform at the event. The audience can enjoy the fascination of Gidayu melody, long epic song and koto music to the full along with traditional musical accompaniment.
18:00-19:00 on Friday, August 20
Cast: KATADA Kisaku, TAKEMOTO Koshiwaka, TSURUSAWA Tsugaju, HAGIOKA Miki, KINEYA Toshimitsu, KINEYA Ehachiro, and others
* The quota: 120 (in order of arrival)
Introductory Workshops (Small Studio 1 and 2, Medium Studio) Five workshops during the event period
Professional musicians will help the participants to experience singing and playing instruments in the workshops. Those who participate in workshops for various genres will be given a present.
(1) 11:45-13:30, (2) 14:30-15:30 and (3) 16:30-17:30 on Saturday, August 21
(4) 11:45-13：30 and (5) 14:30-15:30 on Sunday, August 22
* Those who wish to participate in an introductory workshop may be asked to wait for their turn depending on the degree of congestion on the day.
The Booth for Kids’ Independent Research (Small Studio 1)
The booth provides kids with the perfect topics for independent research during the summer holidays. Instrument making craftsmen will visit the studio, to explain and demonstrate how to manufacture biwa and shamisen. Kids can watch the manufacturing process and explore the secrets of the instruments.
11:45-15:30 on Sunday, August 22
Closing Live Performance
Groups of young traditional Japanese musicians who are attracting attention for their modern music using classical instruments and traditional performance techniques will be on stage. The audience can enjoy a new type of sound which expands the possibilities of traditional Japanese music.
16:00-17:00 on Sunday, August 22
Cast: Sunzui, Radentai and KIBA Daisuke
* The quota: 120 (in order of arrival)
【Venue】
Suitengu Pit
Address : 18-14, Hakozaki-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0015
Access : 2 minutes walk from Exit 2 of Suitengumae Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
The program provides the opportunity for anyone to enjoy live performances as well as the opportunity to get hands-on experience of singing, storytelling, shamisen, koto, shakuhachi, biwa, hand drums, etc. through traditional Japanese music, free of charge. A living national treasure will appear in the opening live performance and dynamic young musicians will play in the closing live performance. Professional musicians will teach the participants how to sing and play in introductory workshops.
【Schedule】
18:00-19:00 on Friday, August 20: Opening live performance
11:00-17:30 on Saturday, August 21: Introductory workshops, mini-concerts
11:00-15:30 on Sunday, August 22: Introductory workshops, mini-concerts, the booth for kids’ independent research
16:00-17：00 on Sunday, August 22: Closing live performance
【Admission fees】
Admission free
* For live performances and mini-concerts, numbered tickets will be distributed 40 minutes before the start of the events and the venue opens 20 minutes before the start of the events. The quota for each event is 120 (in order of arrival).
【Details (program, etc.)】
Opening Live Performance (Large Studio)
KATADA Kisaku, a musical accompanist and a living national treasure who is closely associated with Ningyo-cho where the Suitengu Pit venue is located, will perform at the event. The audience can enjoy the fascination of Gidayu melody, long epic song and koto music to the full along with traditional musical accompaniment.
18:00-19:00 on Friday, August 20
Cast: KATADA Kisaku, TAKEMOTO Koshiwaka, TSURUSAWA Tsugaju, HAGIOKA Miki, KINEYA Toshimitsu, KINEYA Ehachiro, and others
* The quota: 120 (in order of arrival)
Introductory Workshops (Small Studio 1 and 2, Medium Studio) Five workshops during the event period
Professional musicians will help the participants to experience singing and playing instruments in the workshops. Those who participate in workshops for various genres will be given a present.
(1) 11:45-13:30, (2) 14:30-15:30 and (3) 16:30-17:30 on Saturday, August 21
(4) 11:45-13：30 and (5) 14:30-15:30 on Sunday, August 22
* Those who wish to participate in an introductory workshop may be asked to wait for their turn depending on the degree of congestion on the day.
The Booth for Kids’ Independent Research (Small Studio 1)
The booth provides kids with the perfect topics for independent research during the summer holidays. Instrument making craftsmen will visit the studio, to explain and demonstrate how to manufacture biwa and shamisen. Kids can watch the manufacturing process and explore the secrets of the instruments.
11:45-15:30 on Sunday, August 22
Closing Live Performance
Groups of young traditional Japanese musicians who are attracting attention for their modern music using classical instruments and traditional performance techniques will be on stage. The audience can enjoy a new type of sound which expands the possibilities of traditional Japanese music.
16:00-17:00 on Sunday, August 22
Cast: Sunzui, Radentai and KIBA Daisuke
* The quota: 120 (in order of arrival)
【Venue】
Suitengu Pit
Address : 18-14, Hakozaki-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0015
Access : 2 minutes walk from Exit 2 of Suitengumae Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
Noh Play and Traditional Japanese Music “Four Seasons in Suda”
Noh Play and Traditional Japanese Music - Performance by accomplished artists under the theme of the “Sumida River,” long cherished by people.
The theme of last year’s concert was the “moon.” This year’s theme is the “Sumida River.” The Sumida River is one of the most cherished and lively rivers among those running through Tokyo. Since the Edo period, the river has served as a main artery of river transportation as well as a favorite fishing spot to bolster the livelihoods of ordinary people. At the same time, the river has been a place of recreation and relaxation, offering opportunities for boating, and for viewing cherry blossoms and fireworks. It is easily understood that the Sumida River has deep meaning to people, as it often appears as a theme in Noh play, Kabuki drama, classical Japanese dance, traditional Japanese music, Japanese traditional comic storytelling, and Japanese woodblock prints.
This year’s performance features classical masterpieces and new pieces of traditional music, both linked with the “Sumida River” to fuse “tradition with the modern age.” Currently active famous artists will provide an opportunity to enjoy their superb performances of Noh play and music, for both those who are new to traditional Japanese performing arts and those who have a deep understanding of the traditional Japanese performing arts.
The theme of last year’s concert was the “moon.” This year’s theme is the “Sumida River.” The Sumida River is one of the most cherished and lively rivers among those running through Tokyo. Since the Edo period, the river has served as a main artery of river transportation as well as a favorite fishing spot to bolster the livelihoods of ordinary people. At the same time, the river has been a place of recreation and relaxation, offering opportunities for boating, and for viewing cherry blossoms and fireworks. It is easily understood that the Sumida River has deep meaning to people, as it often appears as a theme in Noh play, Kabuki drama, classical Japanese dance, traditional Japanese music, Japanese traditional comic storytelling, and Japanese woodblock prints.
This year’s performance features classical masterpieces and new pieces of traditional music, both linked with the “Sumida River” to fuse “tradition with the modern age.” Currently active famous artists will provide an opportunity to enjoy their superb performances of Noh play and music, for both those who are new to traditional Japanese performing arts and those who have a deep understanding of the traditional Japanese performing arts.
【Schedule】 Tuesday, August 31, 2010 Starting at 18:00
【Venue】 Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space (Medium Hall)
【Cast】 UMEWAKA Rokuro, HOSHO Kan
IMAFUJI Chojuro, HAGIOKA Shoin, KIYOMOTO Yoshijiro, HONJO Hidetaro, TOSHA Rosen, and others
【Admission fees】
Reserved seats only: 4,000 yen for adults, 2,000 yen for students and children (university students or younger) ※ Preschool children are prohibited from entry.
【Ticket sales】
Votre Ticket Center: 03 5355 1280
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space Ticket Service: 03 5985 1707, http://www.tgg-ts.jp/
E-ticket PIA: 0570 02 9999 (P code: 405-288), http://t.pia.jp/
e+: http://eplus.jp/
* For those who wish to reserve a wheelchair space, please contact the Votre Ticket Center.
【Venue】 Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space (Medium Hall)
【Cast】 UMEWAKA Rokuro, HOSHO Kan
IMAFUJI Chojuro, HAGIOKA Shoin, KIYOMOTO Yoshijiro, HONJO Hidetaro, TOSHA Rosen, and others
【Admission fees】
Reserved seats only: 4,000 yen for adults, 2,000 yen for students and children (university students or younger) ※ Preschool children are prohibited from entry.
【Ticket sales】
Votre Ticket Center: 03 5355 1280
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space Ticket Service: 03 5985 1707, http://www.tgg-ts.jp/
E-ticket PIA: 0570 02 9999 (P code: 405-288), http://t.pia.jp/
e+: http://eplus.jp/
* For those who wish to reserve a wheelchair space, please contact the Votre Ticket Center.
Traditional Japanese Music 【Essence of Art】 “Kiyomoto - Two pure streams into one fount -”
Historic performance, the first time in 88 years, by two major schools of “Kiyomoto” representing traditional Japanese music.
“Essence of Art” meets the request of Japanese traditional entertainment fans. This program features “Kiyomoto,” a musical form of story-telling that began in the late Edo period. “Kiyomoto” was highly esteemed for its unconventional music accompanying Kabuki drama and dancing. However, in the Taisho period those performing “Kiyomoto” split into two groups, one school known as “Kiyomoto Soke” and the other school known as “Kiyomoto-ryu Iemoto.” The split came about due to a disagreement in artistry. Artists in each Kiyomoto school have inherited their respective family names and both families have been leading figures in the world of traditional Japanese music down to the present. Currently, Nanasei Kiyomoto Enjudayu takes a leading role in “Kiyomoto Soke” and Yonsei Kiyomoto Umekichi leads in “Kiyomoto-ryu.”
This year these two Kiyomoto families will presenting a landmark performance by costarring for the first time in 88 years in a series, “Essence of Art.”
“Essence of Art” meets the request of Japanese traditional entertainment fans. This program features “Kiyomoto,” a musical form of story-telling that began in the late Edo period. “Kiyomoto” was highly esteemed for its unconventional music accompanying Kabuki drama and dancing. However, in the Taisho period those performing “Kiyomoto” split into two groups, one school known as “Kiyomoto Soke” and the other school known as “Kiyomoto-ryu Iemoto.” The split came about due to a disagreement in artistry. Artists in each Kiyomoto school have inherited their respective family names and both families have been leading figures in the world of traditional Japanese music down to the present. Currently, Nanasei Kiyomoto Enjudayu takes a leading role in “Kiyomoto Soke” and Yonsei Kiyomoto Umekichi leads in “Kiyomoto-ryu.”
This year these two Kiyomoto families will presenting a landmark performance by costarring for the first time in 88 years in a series, “Essence of Art.”
【Schedule】 Tuesday, August 24, 2010 Starting at 18:00
【Venue】 National Theatre (Large Theatre)
【Cast】 KIYOMOTO Enjudayu, KIYOMOTO Umekichi, KIYOMOTO Seijudayu (living national treasure), KIYOMOTO Eizo (living national treasure) and all members of Kiyomoto cliques
【Guest appearance】 KATAOKA Nizaemon XV
【Admission fees】
Reserved seats only: Seat S: 10,000 yen, 1st class seat A: 8,500 yen, 1st class seat B: 6,000 yen, 2nd class seat: 4,500 yen, 3rd class seat: 3,000 yen
【Ticket sales】
National Theatre Ticket Office: Tickets available at the counter only (10:00-17:00)
E-ticket PIA: 0570 02 9999 (P code: 403-700)
Essence of Art Production Committee Secretariat: Application accepted by fax only: 03 3466 1259 (11:00-18:00)
【Venue】 National Theatre (Large Theatre)
【Cast】 KIYOMOTO Enjudayu, KIYOMOTO Umekichi, KIYOMOTO Seijudayu (living national treasure), KIYOMOTO Eizo (living national treasure) and all members of Kiyomoto cliques
【Guest appearance】 KATAOKA Nizaemon XV
【Admission fees】
Reserved seats only: Seat S: 10,000 yen, 1st class seat A: 8,500 yen, 1st class seat B: 6,000 yen, 2nd class seat: 4,500 yen, 3rd class seat: 3,000 yen
【Ticket sales】
National Theatre Ticket Office: Tickets available at the counter only (10:00-17:00)
E-ticket PIA: 0570 02 9999 (P code: 403-700)
Essence of Art Production Committee Secretariat: Application accepted by fax only: 03 3466 1259 (11:00-18:00)
Traditional Japanese Music “Risogaku”
Traditional music in modern age born out of shamisen, ballad, and freewheeling thinking.
“Risogaku” is shamisen music created in 1971 by Hidetaro Honjo, a performer of short folk songs called “hauta.” Using improvisation on the three-stringed shamisen, songs sung and perpetuated by ordinary people, as well as melodies carrying universal, ethnic, and uplifting tunes, have been reproduced as traditional music in the modern age. “Risogaku” is a style of composition based on hauta, folk music, and folk songs sung by workers, and is defined by its lively melody to which modern lyrics, singing techniques, rendition, and tunes are added.
The program consists of compositions themed in a dialog between nature (the Sumida River and the Tama River in particular) and a native of Edo or a Tokyoite, compositions based on people’s lives as they are linked with the rivers running through Edo, and new compositions.
“Risogaku” is shamisen music created in 1971 by Hidetaro Honjo, a performer of short folk songs called “hauta.” Using improvisation on the three-stringed shamisen, songs sung and perpetuated by ordinary people, as well as melodies carrying universal, ethnic, and uplifting tunes, have been reproduced as traditional music in the modern age. “Risogaku” is a style of composition based on hauta, folk music, and folk songs sung by workers, and is defined by its lively melody to which modern lyrics, singing techniques, rendition, and tunes are added.
The program consists of compositions themed in a dialog between nature (the Sumida River and the Tama River in particular) and a native of Edo or a Tokyoite, compositions based on people’s lives as they are linked with the rivers running through Edo, and new compositions.
【Schedule】 Saturday, September 4, 2010 Scheduled at 12:00/16:30
【Venue】 National Theatre (Large Theatre)
【Cast】
Guest appearance : HANAYAGI Toshinami, TACHIBANA Yoshie, ICHIKAWA Kamejiro
Song, shamisen : HONJO Hidetaro, and others
【Admission fees】
Reserved seat: Special seat: 10,000 yen, seat S: 8,000 yen, seat A: 6,000 yen
Non-reserved seat: Seat B: 3,000 yen
【Ticket sales】
Honjo School Office: 03 3329 3158
Dentogakusha: 03 3303 5180
E-ticket PIA: 0570 02 9999
【Venue】 National Theatre (Large Theatre)
【Cast】
Guest appearance : HANAYAGI Toshinami, TACHIBANA Yoshie, ICHIKAWA Kamejiro
Song, shamisen : HONJO Hidetaro, and others
【Admission fees】
Reserved seat: Special seat: 10,000 yen, seat S: 8,000 yen, seat A: 6,000 yen
Non-reserved seat: Seat B: 3,000 yen
【Ticket sales】
Honjo School Office: 03 3329 3158
Dentogakusha: 03 3303 5180
E-ticket PIA: 0570 02 9999
Tendai Shomyo Chant “Toke Tokubutsu”
Tendai Tantric Buddhism chant, “shomyo” deeply and richly resounding in the stage designed as a mandala (a place expressing the Buddhist state of enlightenment).
The charm of “shomyo” chant, a form of traditional Japanese music, has been shared with a large number of audiences at the National Theatre since its opening in 1966. This year, “Tendai Shomyo” is featured to showcase the power of voice as it has been passed down in a precise and meticulous manner. This chant is established on an especially advanced, exhaustive music theory, and filled with rich melody.
“Toke Tokubutsu” is a ceremony performed at the “Kanjoe,” a supreme rite of Tendai Tantric Buddhism. In this ceremony, a flower is thrown toward the mandala chart, and you will be connected with the Buddha at the point on which the flower has fallen. The shomyo chant recited in this ceremony is complicated and rich in variation, making it musically very interesting. In this program, the rite of “Toke Tokubutsu” is presented as theatrical art to the music of a shomyo chant on the stage composed of a mandala.
The charm of “shomyo” chant, a form of traditional Japanese music, has been shared with a large number of audiences at the National Theatre since its opening in 1966. This year, “Tendai Shomyo” is featured to showcase the power of voice as it has been passed down in a precise and meticulous manner. This chant is established on an especially advanced, exhaustive music theory, and filled with rich melody.
“Toke Tokubutsu” is a ceremony performed at the “Kanjoe,” a supreme rite of Tendai Tantric Buddhism. In this ceremony, a flower is thrown toward the mandala chart, and you will be connected with the Buddha at the point on which the flower has fallen. The shomyo chant recited in this ceremony is complicated and rich in variation, making it musically very interesting. In this program, the rite of “Toke Tokubutsu” is presented as theatrical art to the music of a shomyo chant on the stage composed of a mandala.
【Schedule】 Saturday, September 25, 2010 Scheduled at 14:00
【Venue】 National Theatre (Large Theatre)
【Cast】 Tendaishu Sohonzan Hieizan Enryakuji Hogi Onritsu Kenkyusho (Tendai Set Mt.Hiei Enryakuji Temple Rhythm Research Institute)
【Admission fees】
Reserved seats only:
1st class seat: 4,500 yen for adults, 3,200 yen for students
2nd class seat: 3,600 yen for adults, 2,500 yen for students
* Discounts available for people with disabilities
【Ticket sales】
National Theatre Ticket Centre:
0570 07 9900, http://ticket.ntj.jac.go.jp, 03 3230 3000 (from PHS and IP phone)
E-ticket PIA: 0570 02 9999
e+: http://eplus.jp/
* For those who wish to reserve a wheelchair space, please contact the National Theatre Ticket Centre.
【Venue】 National Theatre (Large Theatre)
【Cast】 Tendaishu Sohonzan Hieizan Enryakuji Hogi Onritsu Kenkyusho (Tendai Set Mt.Hiei Enryakuji Temple Rhythm Research Institute)
【Admission fees】
Reserved seats only:
1st class seat: 4,500 yen for adults, 3,200 yen for students
2nd class seat: 3,600 yen for adults, 2,500 yen for students
* Discounts available for people with disabilities
【Ticket sales】
National Theatre Ticket Centre:
0570 07 9900, http://ticket.ntj.jac.go.jp, 03 3230 3000 (from PHS and IP phone)
E-ticket PIA: 0570 02 9999
e+: http://eplus.jp/
* For those who wish to reserve a wheelchair space, please contact the National Theatre Ticket Centre.
Japanese Folk Performance "Life and Festivals of Tokyo/Edo Part 2 Playacting and Storytelling"
Enjoy some of the entertainment that flourished during the Edo and Meiji periods with local play, puppet play, and storytelling.
This is part 2 of “Life and Festivals of Tokyo/Edo.” Part 1 was presented last November. Among various types of entertainment that were enjoyed by ordinary people in old Tokyo, three different dramas, known as “playacting,” and a variety of types of “storytelling” will be presented in Part 2.
Featured “playacting” dramas include local and puppet plays. Although Kabuki drama was very popular during the Edo period, both local and puppet plays were also born in this period. Local plays were performed by residents of the area, not by professional actors. Three groups will invoke the characteristic charm of these plays on the stage. In addition, “storytelling” that prevailed during the Edo and Meiji periods will be introduced in the form of “Gidayu melody,” “Shinnai melody,” and “Buddhist sutra” in Japanese “Joruri” ballad dramas as well as comic storytelling and silent film narration. Enjoy these different types of storytelling.
This is part 2 of “Life and Festivals of Tokyo/Edo.” Part 1 was presented last November. Among various types of entertainment that were enjoyed by ordinary people in old Tokyo, three different dramas, known as “playacting,” and a variety of types of “storytelling” will be presented in Part 2.
Featured “playacting” dramas include local and puppet plays. Although Kabuki drama was very popular during the Edo period, both local and puppet plays were also born in this period. Local plays were performed by residents of the area, not by professional actors. Three groups will invoke the characteristic charm of these plays on the stage. In addition, “storytelling” that prevailed during the Edo and Meiji periods will be introduced in the form of “Gidayu melody,” “Shinnai melody,” and “Buddhist sutra” in Japanese “Joruri” ballad dramas as well as comic storytelling and silent film narration. Enjoy these different types of storytelling.
【Schedule】 Saturday, October 9, 2010 Scheduled at 14:00
【Venue】 National Theatre (Small Theatre)
【Cast】 Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo: Koryu Nishikawa Troupe, Akikawa Kabuki: Akiruno-za, Minwa-za
SHINNAI Nakasaburo, RYUTEI Saryu, SAWATO Midori, and others
【Admission fees】
Reserved seats only: 3,000 yen for adults, 2,100 yen for students
* Discounts available for people with disabilities
* For those who wish to reserve a wheelchair space, please contact the National Theatre Ticket Centre.
【Ticket sales】
National Theatre Ticket Centre:
0570 07 9900, http://ticket.ntj.jac.go.jp,
03 3230 3000 (from PHS and IP phone)
E-ticket PIA: 0570 02 9999
e+: http://eplus.jp/
* For those who wish to reserve a wheelchair space, please contact the National Theatre Ticket Centre.
【Venue】 National Theatre (Small Theatre)
【Cast】 Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo: Koryu Nishikawa Troupe, Akikawa Kabuki: Akiruno-za, Minwa-za
SHINNAI Nakasaburo, RYUTEI Saryu, SAWATO Midori, and others
【Admission fees】
Reserved seats only: 3,000 yen for adults, 2,100 yen for students
* Discounts available for people with disabilities
* For those who wish to reserve a wheelchair space, please contact the National Theatre Ticket Centre.
【Ticket sales】
National Theatre Ticket Centre:
0570 07 9900, http://ticket.ntj.jac.go.jp,
03 3230 3000 (from PHS and IP phone)
E-ticket PIA: 0570 02 9999
e+: http://eplus.jp/
* For those who wish to reserve a wheelchair space, please contact the National Theatre Ticket Centre.
Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony
The Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony is designed to familiarize the citizens of Tokyo with traditional tea culture, and to introduce tourists visiting the Tokyo area to the Edo/Tokyo way of life throughout culture in which the tea culture has been cherished. An introduction of basic tea ceremony etiquette will be provided for those who have never attended a tea ceremony and for overseas tourists so that they can experience the Japanese traditional culture of the tea ceremony.
【Schedule/Venue】
(1) Sunday, October 10 and Monday (holiday), October 11, 2010/Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
(2) Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17, 2010/Hama Rikyu Gardens
* For details about “Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony,” click here.
(1) Sunday, October 10 and Monday (holiday), October 11, 2010/Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
(2) Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17, 2010/Hama Rikyu Gardens
* For details about “Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony,” click here.
