Arts Council Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture) is organizing few programs under the theme of "Approaching Tokyo Tradition". This program is held in order to provide opportunity to foreign tourists to experience Japanese culture and is also part of the initiatives to welcome 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. This program is held at the specific tourist attractions with the companion of translator at no charges. Today, we are going to introduce you this latest program which are just started this year.
① KOTO MUSIC
② Japanese traditional dance “Nihon Buyo”
③ Shamisen of Nagauta (長唄三味線)
④ Engei Entertainment
① KOTO MUSIC
Program Period: 6th January 2018(Sat), 10th February 2018(Sat), 3rd March 2018(Sat)
Venue: Tokyo City i Performance Zone, KITTE B1F
Participation Fee: Free
Application method: Online advance registration system
(http://tokyo-tradition.peatix.com)
Registration at the venue on the program day is only available if the total number of participants does not meet the maximum capacity limit of around 20 people per workshop.
“Koto music workshop” is a traditional Japanese music played by "koto(箏)". By companion of some other Japanese traditional music instruments such as Japanese stringed instrument, shamisen (三味線) and Japanese bamboo flute, shakuhachi (尺八), it has actually gained high popularity from Edo period (1603~1867) until Meiji period (1868~1912). Even until now, concerts of koto music are still held in various areas of Japan, and loved by many of its fans.
In the first half of the program, you will listen to the koto music which are played by professional musicians. For the second half of the program, you will have the opportunity to experience "koto" and play some simple song. Need not worried if you have no knowledge on the instruments as the lesson will be taught slowly and was designed for beginner. You will definitely enjoy it even if you are a foreigner.
② Japanese traditional dance “Nihon Buyo”
Program Period: Every Sunday from April 2017 to March 2018, excluding some specific dates
Venue: Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center 6F
Registration method: Register on the program day (approximately 20 people per session, first-come-first-served basis. Registration counter is located at 1F of the venue)
Participation Fee: Free
URL: http://www.tokyo-tradition.jp/eng/program/033/
Participants will experience dancing to the song “Sakura Sakura”, a very famous Japanese song, with Yukata dressing and Japanese fan. After that, you can enjoy watching the popular performance, "Fujumusume(藤娘)" by a professional dancer. In addition, you can also take photos with the instructors at the end of performance.
③ Shamisen of Nagauta (長唄三味線)
Program Period: 21st January 2018(Sun), 18th February 2018(Sun), 18th March 2018(Sun)
Venue: Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center 6F
Participation method: Register on the program day (approximately 25 people per session, first-come-first-served basis. Registration counter is located at 1F of the venue)
Participation Fee: Free
URL: http://www.tokyo-tradition.jp/eng/program/034/
Nagauta, which originated from Kabuki music, and then developed into Shamisen Music, is a type of Japanese traditional music.
During the program, the Nagauta performance will be explained and played by the professional performers, which will help easier understanding of the music for beginners. Besides, you will have the opportunity to play Japanese song "Sakura Sakura" while learning. You can also take a memorable photo together with a shamisen.
④ Engei Entertainment
Program Period: Shishimai/Kyokugei 15th January 2018 (Mon), 5th February 2018(Mon), 5th March 2018 (Mon)
Wazuma 8th January 2018 (Mon), 19th February 2018 (Mon), 12th March 2018 (Mon)
Venue: Haneda Airport International Passenger Terminal 5F Festival Plaza and others
Participation Fee: Free
URL: http: //www.tokyo-tradition.jp/eng/program/032/
This program is held at the Haneda airport which is well known as a gateway between Tokyo, Japan and overseas and is always crowded with tourists from around the world every day. This program allows foreigners to experience shishimai, a dance imitating lion, in which to have their head bitten by a lion during the lion dance performance, symbolize fortune and good luck! Besides, the participants can also experience a traditional performance with a piece of paper and experience wazuma (和妻), which is a traditional magic performance since Edo period, etc.
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