Living National Treasures Out On Show

In an effort to preserve and pass on to future generations the skills required for traditional Japanese crafts and performing arts, the government in 1955 designated certain artists with the title: Intangible Cultural Property. These people have become known as 'Living National Treasures.' April events feature six specific accomplishments in the field of Bunraku, Tsumugi, Yuzen dyeing and ceramic art.

The National Bunraku Theatre of Japan presents 'Yoshitsune Sembon—zakura'

Apr.10-May.23

— The Thousand Cherry Trees of Yoshitsune

Bunraku is the most refined form of puppetry in the world. The dolls are almost life-size and their eyes, eyebrows and mouth can move, as well as their hands and arms. Watching their graceful and lifelike movements it is difficult to imagine they are being manipulated by three people, and that it has taken years of training and painstaking effort for them to work together on stage in perfect harmony. The drama, Yoshitsune sembon-zakura, was first performed in 1749. A historical tale of warfare, jealousy, and love, with a beautifully choreographed dance sequence, it tells the story of the dashing hero, Minamoto No Yoshitsune.

Bunraku dating back to the Edo period is not only about these stringless puppets and their operators. Two other elements are involved. The narrator or chanter, (Tayu) and the three-stringed samisen player adds vocal and musical expression to the drama. Five Living National Treasures will perform in this drama, displaying three aspects of the performing arts. They are Tamao Yoshida, Minosuke Yoshida and Bunjaku Yoshida, the puppeteers. Sumitayu Takemoto, the narrator and Kanji Tsuruzawa, the samisen player.

The National Bunraku Theatre of Japan
Open: 11:00 & 16:00 (Each performance lasts four hours).
Closed on 4/14.
Getting there: One minute walk from Nipponbashi station, exit 7.
Entry: ¥2,300 - ¥5,800 • http://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/
Tel: 06-6212-2351

Tsumugi

An Exhibition of Fukumi Shimura

Apr.3-25

Fukumi Shimura was born in Shiga, prefecture. Designated a National Living Treasure in 1990, this is the first time such a large collection of her work is on display in her hometown. Tsumugi is the term used for a hand-woven fabric made from yarn and manually spun from silk floss. It is similar to cotton in texture, but has the luster of silk and is used mainly for traditional Japanese clothing.

Sixty hand woven kimonos made with natural dye are on display. Plants, nuts, tree bark, all provide the artist with many different natural colors and hues. Twenty of her latest works use the theme of 'The Tale of Genji', to create a new design.

This ancient technique of weaving and dyeing is a long process that requires great patience. Maybe this is one reason why, although the young admire and praise this beautiful weave, few wish to learn the skill. This exhibition is being held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the museum and Shiga's National Living Treasure.

The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga
Open: 9:30-17:00 (Closed Mondays)
Entry: Adults ¥900, Students ¥650, Children ¥450
Tel: 077-543-2111

Beauty of Traditional
Crafts Exhibition

Until Apr.4

There is still time to catch up with the works of two other Living National Treasures, Uichi Shimizu and Kakou Moriguchi. Shimizu is
a pioneer in iron glazing. His traditional glazes and bold style are apparent in all his pottery. Moriguchi specializes in Yuzen, a dyeing technique similar to East Indian batik. The silk fabrics on which he has painted flowing pictures are made into kimonos. He has devoted his life to kimono as an art form.

The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga
Open: 9:30-17:00 (Closed Mondays)
Entry: Adults ¥800, Students ¥600, Children ¥400
Tel: 077-543-2111

Events compiled by Mylene Oishi

Kansai Event Listings

Sakura Spots

KS boasts some of the region’s finest in hanami viewing spots.

Kyoto

Shoren-in Temple: Check out the cherry trees here at this spot some-times overlooked by the crowds. Admission: ¥400

Heian Jingu Shrine: About 300 weeping cherry trees resides inside this exquisite shrine garden. Evening concerts are also schedule under lit cherry blossom trees.
Admission: ¥600

Kiyomizu Temple: An abundance of wild cherry trees coupled with the surrounding mountainous view make this place a choice locale. Try the view from the temple’s magnificent wooden veranda.
Admission: Night viewing ¥400

Maruyama Park: Considered the most beautiful locale in Kyoto
for blossom watching with some 850 trees.
Admission: Free

Osaka

Osaka Castle: As many as 600 cherry trees including someiyoshino come into full bloom at the Nishi-nomaru Garden, the most famous cherry blossom spot in Osaka.
Admission to the grounds is free.

Osaka Mint Bureau: Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit take a stroll along the 1/3 mile walkway where they can see 175 different kinds of cherry trees. Admission to the grounds is free.

Expo Land: From late March several of the trees around this North Osakan park and amusement center will be in bloom. A perfect day of roller coasters and flowers!
Admission: Free for Sakura viewing

Nara

Nara Park: Once wasteland, it is now a great place to stake a piece of land to sit and enjoy. Or for the more energetic, an equally fantastic deer guided walk can also be had.
Admission: Free

Kofukuji Temple: If you are up for more than just some hanami viewing you may want to come here to check out Japan’s second largest pagoda.
Admission: Free

HIMEJI

Himeji Castle: a popular place to visit for sakura seekers, this place like many, offers perhaps Japan’s most splendid of Castles under a plethora of petals.
Admission: To the castle ¥600 while the surrounding grounds are free.