Christmas Opera
SHIGA Dec. 4
Christmas is associated with pantomimes, plays
wherein good triumphs over evil, and everyone lives happily ever
after. Therefore, Hansel and Gretel, a favourite children's story
by the brothers Grimm is a good choice for a Christmas story. All
the way from the Czech Republic to tell, or rather sing this tale
is the National Theatre of Brno. No, that's not a spelling mistake,
Brno is in fact the second largest city in the Czech Republic. A
strong adult cast comes together with children of the theatre's
choir, ballet and orchestra to sing, dance and act their way through
this classic tale of how two poor children escape from the trap
of a wicked witch … and yes, they all live happily every after.
In German with Japanese translation. This opera forms part of the
Czech music festival in Japan, 2004.
Biwako Hall
Time: 14:00 • Entry: ¥5,000- ¥13,000
Getting there: 5 mins bus ride from Otsu station
Tel: 077-523-1736 • http://www.biwako-hall.or.jp
Kodo
OSAKA Dec 18 & 19
Teeming with energy and exploding with power,
Kodo explores the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese
drum, the taiko. Providing us a dramatic close to the year, one
of the stops of the group's December Concert Tour will be Osaka.
Under the artistic direction of Eiichi Saito, Kodo strives to preserve
and to re-interpret this traditional Japanese performing art. Having
performed in 42 countries, the group has brought back a kaleidoscope
of world music and experiences, which now exerts a strong influence
on their performances and compositions. Collaborations with other
artists and composers extend right across the musical spectrum.
Last year they teamed up with Kabuki legend, Tamasaburo Bando. This
meeting introduced a new range of artistic expression to Kodo's
passionate and pulsating performances.
Osaka Kosei Nenkin Kaikan Dai Hall
Time: 18th, 18:30 • 19th, 15:00
Getting there: 5-min walk from Honmachi subway station
Admission: ¥5,500. ¥6,000 at the door
Tel: 06-6362-8122 • http://www.kodo.or.jp
On Matsuri
NARA Dec 17
Its official name is Kasuga Wakamiya On Matsuri
and it is the oldest festival of culture and arts in Japan. Tracing
its roots way back to 1136, unlike other festivals, which are associated
with the imperial family, this is a festival for the common people,
held in honor of the deity of Wakamiya Shrine, which is connected
to the Fujiwara family.
That some preparations began in July give some
idea of the scale, importance and accuracy of detail of this four-day
event whose finale is a grand procession and the sacred ceremony
called, O-tabisho-sai which takes place before a temporary shrine.
The long procession of people clad in ancient costumes from the
Heian to the Edo period parades through Nara City before arriving
at the shrine. This is then followed by ancient traditional classical
music and dances to include Kagura and Bugaku together with various
traditional entertainment and rituals that continue late into the
evening when bonfires are set ablaze. The whole festival, the biggest
annual event in Nara, has been designated an Intangible Cultural
Property.
Dec. 15
On Mochi-dono shopping street, Kintetsu Nara stn.
Time: 16:30-18:00
Water boiling ceremony to purify participants and sacred music and
dance
Dec. 16
Kasuga Wakamiya Shrine
Time: From 14:00
Men shoot arrows from horseback. Dengaku, a dance from which Noh
is said to have originated and other rituals
Dec. 17
Kasuga Wakmiya Shrine
Time: 24:00 to 1:00
The guardian deity of agriculture is moved to the O-tabisho, a temporary
resting place
10:00: Mystical ceremony
12:00: Parade begins from Nara prefectual office
14:30: O-tabisho-sai.
Dec. 18
Kasuga-taisha Honden
From 13:00 Sumo and Noh
Tel: 0742-22-7788
Art Cabaret
OSAKA Dec. 25
Join Shigemi Kitamura on this festive day for
an evening of art, dance and fun. Kitamura will perform Karaoke
Dance at this rather quaint, arty and unusual theatre that is located
at the back of a cafe. Trained in ballet since the age of six, Kitamura
later received a diploma in dance studies from the Laban Centre,
England.
The joy of living and of pain glorified in dance,
is how she describes her art. The evening will continue with Dance
Circus, a duo performance with Christmas and Santa in mind, directed
by Takechiyo Mariya.
Before the evening closes, the 2004 winner of
the best Dance Box handbill will be announced. It will be a festive
and celebratory night. Happy Christmas to all, and congratulations
to the winner!
Art Theater Dance Box
Time: 18:00 • Entry: ¥2,300/1D, ¥2,500/1D at the door
Getting there: Exit #5 of Dobutsuen-mae station on Midosuji line
Tel: 06-6646-1120 • http://www.db-dancebox.org
Events compiled by Mylene Oishi
Kansai Event Listings
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December 1
Kencha Festival
A popular green tea or matcha festival.
A meal of soba noodles plus bowls of tea served in the tearooms.
There is a ritual where matcha is offered to the dieties.
Kitano Tenman-gu shrine
Time: 10:00-15:00
Getting there: From Kyoto station bus
to Kitano-hakubai-cho
Entry: ¥5,000
Tel: 075-461-0005
December 2
Latin Dance Carnival
Sixteen dancers will tango, samba, salsa and flamenco to bring
an evening of Latin to Osaka. Not only the stage, but the
whole theater will be decked out to bring out a full Latin
atmosphere.
May Theater
Time: 18:30
10-min walk from JR Shin-Osaka stn
Entry: ¥2,000~¥4,000
Tel: 06-6380-2221
www.maytheater.jp/
December 3
Dance and Marimba
The marimba is a rather large member of the xylophone family
played by striking the bars with mallets that come in a variety
of shapes and weights. Presented by Tamatamutsumi.
Art Complex 1928
Time: 19:00
Getting there: Exit #6, Sanjo subway stn
Entry: ¥2,000, ¥3,000 at the door. ¥500 discount
for students
Tel: 075-254-6520
December 5
Nenneko Festival
This festival is in celebration of single mothers as it is
based on the ancient story of Empress Jingu having raised
the infant, Emperor Ojin all by herself. Children dress up
and offerings are made to the deity who protects children.
Konoha Shrine, Wakayama
Getting there: Koza stn on JR Kise Line.
Tel: 0735-72-0081
December 5
Chansons and Wine Festival
This dinner show is more like a festive French evening in
a grand setting. Grand because this is the hotel where the
Japanese Imperial Family stay whenever they visit Nara. As
one enjoys the delights of the French meal and listen to chan-sons
sung by Yuki Mei, the wine will flow.
Nara Hotel
Time: 18:00
Getting there: Bus or 10mins walk from Kintetsu Nara station
Entry: ¥16,000 Full course meal with wine and a surprise
gift
Tel: 0742-26-3300
www.yukimei.com
December 5
Osaka International Dog Show
The biggest dog show in West Japan, organized by JKC Osaka
Block Council. As many as 1,300 purebreds will gather from
across the country to compete for the championship. A wide
range of
items for dogs will be on sale too.
Intex Osaka, Hall 6
Time: 9:00~17:00
Getting there: Nanko Cosmo Square
(Subwau Chuo-line)
Entry: ¥500,School children free
Tel: 06-6693-7911
December 5
24th All Japan Daibutsu Marathon
The runners have a choice of the 5 or 10km course which circles
its way around some of Nara's World Heritage Site. Fun to
watch as many runners wear fancy dress costumes.
Nara park, Kasuga
Tel: 0742-26-1335
www.nara-shimbun.com
December 5
IGA NINJA ONE DAY
A volunteer guided tour in English for visiting Iga Sect (Iga-ryu)
Ninja Samurai House and Museum, Iga-Ueno City,
Mie Prefecture.
Time: 9.00am. Meeting point: In front of Kyoto City Tourist
Information Office on the 2F of Kyoto Station Bldg.
Price: ¥4,000 (approx) + ¥2,000 to support the volunteer
activity.
(Reservation is needed)
Z/Fax: 072-831-2797
December 7 & 8
Daikon-daki (Radish Boiling)
Sanskrit characters are written on daikon, white radish, which
are then boiled and served. A ceremony called Jodo-e is held
to commemorate the day Buddha Shakamuni achieved enlightenment.
Senbonshaka-do temple, Kyoto
Time: 9:00, ceremony 10:00-16:00
Entry: ¥1,000
Getting there: City bus to Kamishichiken
Tel: 075-461-5973
December 8
Needle Memorial Service
A service is held in appreciation of used needles. After,
drink sweet sake and watch the Hanayagi School of Japanese
Dance perform the Orihime dance as a dedication.
Horinji Temple, Kyoto
Getting there: 10-min walk from Arashiyama stationon the Hankyu
line.
Tel: 075-861-0069
December 8
Peace Talk
Let's take time during this festive season to give a thought
for those less fortunate than us. Peace activist, Yumi Kikuchi
will give a talk on peace.
Dawn Center, Osaka
Time: 18:00
Getting there: Exit #1, Tenmabashi stn.
Tel: 06-6910-8615
December 14
Gishi Festival
Ako City is the venue for a popular true-life story from the
Edo era, known as Chushin-gura about loyal samurai retai-ners,
which has been widely featured in various novels and films.
It is an attraction that recreates the days of old in Ako.
Ako City, Hyogo
Getting there: Banshu-ako station on
JR Ako line
Tel: 078-36-8086
December 31
Countdown Live & Bingo
A party to ring in the New Year, with live music and a game
of bingo. Many prizes to be won. Drink champagne at the stroke
of midnight to toast in 2005.
Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Sports Pub Arena.
Time: 23:00~1:00
Entry: ¥5,000 price includes an open bar, snacks, one
bingo card and champagne at midnight.
Tel: 078-857-7000
markrobinson@sheraton-kobe.co.jp
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