Miyako Odori
KYOTO Apr. 1-30
A highly-anticipated annual showcase of geiko
(geisha) and maiko entertaining the public with their unique song
and dance performance known as, the Cherry Blossom Dance. The spectacular
stage sets, the richly decorated costumes of the dancers and their
performance have been described as the perfect living example of
Kyoto-style grace and elegance.
A geisha is a professional entertainer or hostess
trained in a number of traditional skills such as ancient dance,
singing and playing traditional instru-ments. These ladies continue
to study and perfect these skills throughout their career.
This enchanting world has its own vocabulary and rules. The word
geisha actually refers to geisha outside Kyoto, such as in Tokyo.
In Kyoto, geisha are called, geiko. The young women who enter this
enchanting world aspiring to become geiko are called maiko. It is
easy to tell geiko from maiko because their kimono, hairstyle, and
makeup are very different. The most obvious sign of a maiko are
the long kimono sleeves that drop right down to below the knees.
April is the only time the geiko district open
its doors to the public, considering it good timing to be able to
admire flowers in bloom outside and to see the equally beautiful
Dance of the Cherry Blossom inside.
Gion Kobu Kaburen-jo
Time: 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, 16:50 (1-hour show four times a day)
Getting there: From Kyoto stn bus # 100 or 260 to Gion
Entry: ¥4,300 (to include tea ceremony) • ¥3,800 (reserved
seating) • ¥1,900 (seating area without chairs)
Tel: 075-541-3391
Tennoji Bugaku
OSAKA Apr. 22
Shitenno-ji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku
(574-622), and every year on the anniversary of his death, dance
performan-ces officially called, Shoryoe Bugaku Rites are performed
to entertain his soul. The dancers wear distinctive masks and colourful
costumes and perform on an outdoor stone stage known as ishibutai
which is said to represent the Buddhist paradise. These ancient
court dances designated as Important Intangible Cultural Properties
have absorbed musical styles from China, India, the Korean peninsula
and Siberia. On this day, gagaku, ancient court music dating back
over 1,400 years can be heard as well as Buddhist chants, shyomyo.
More than ten dances will be performed including a children's dance
depicting the flight of a bird of paradise. This is one of the few
temples in Japan where shyomyo, gagaku and bugaku are put on. You
will be transported through time by the majesty of these ancient
performing arts.
Shitenno-ji
Time: From 12:30 • Admission: Free
Getting there: 5-mins from Shitennojimae-Yuhigaoka stn on the Tanimachi
line
Tel: 06-6771-0066
Sakai City Marathon
OSAKA Apr. 29
 Take
part or watch runners run a course around the world's largest burial
grounds
— Emperor Nintoku's Tumulus and Richu-ryo Tumulus. Since the
1940s there has been a Citizen's Forest Movement that has planted
trees in this area creating a green Sakai and made the park a popular
place for people to gather. Join according to your individual level
of physical fitness. Racing distances range from 2.5km to a full
marathon of 10km. If running is not your cup of tea, walk along
the pathway along the western and southern sides of Emperor Nintoku's
Tumulus which is lined with cherry blossom trees during this time
of year. This ancient tomb is the largest keyhole-shaped mound in
Japan and worth a visit.
Daisen Park /The Nintoku's Tumulus area
Four courses: 2.5km starts at 10:05 (¥1,500); 4.5km starts at
10:00 (¥2,000);
10km starts at 10:35 and at 12:25 (¥3,000)
Getting there: From Mozu Station 10-mins walk west on the JR Hanwa
line
Tel: 06-6343-4922
Germany in Japan 2005-2006
KYOTO Apr.10
The object of this year long program is to deepen
the trust and friendship between Germany and this country by introducing
modern German life and the diversity of Germany to the people of
Japan. More than 400 cultural, scientific and economical projects
will be held throughout the country in which there will be something
for everyone. The Kansai area, well the futuristic Kyoto station
to be exact, has been chosen as the stage on which to launch the
grand official opening which will kick off with a concert by the
German Youth Jazz Orchestra (German Bundes Jazz Orkester). Over
the years this musical group has developed into a unique institution
and have proved themselves to be superbly competent. Organized by
the Kyoto Goethe-Institut and the German Cultural Center in Kyoto.
JR Kyoto Station - The big stage 3F
Time: 15:00 • Entry: Free
www.goethe.de/kyoto
• www.doitsu-nen.jp/index_DE.html
(German & Japanese)
Tel: 075-761-2188
Events compiled by Mylene Oishi
Kansai Event Listings
| April
3
Trio Lumiere
Akiko Kitamura on piano, Sakura Nakao on Clarinet and Yuki
Nakamura on Violin make up the musical trio that will perform
a program to include music from Igor Stravinsky and Darius
Milhaud. Also a piece by Aram Khachaturian specially created
for the clarinet, violin and piano.
Aoyama Ongaku Kinen-kan, Kyoto
Time: 14:00
Getting there: 5-mins from Kamakatsura
Entry: ¥2,000; ¥2,500 at the door
Tel: 075-393-0011
April 4
Molto Bassissimo
A contrabass recital with Kazuo Okuda on contrabass. A quartet
comprising of piano, cello, violin and the viola accompany
him to the music of Rossini, Hoffmeister and other composers.
Izumi Hall, Osaka
Time: 19:00
Getting there: 3mins from Osaka-Jo Koen
Entry: ¥4,500
Tel: 06-6944-1188
April 6
Rosas, Bitches Brew
"I'll play it first and tell you what is is later,"
said Miles Davis of his music, Bitches Brew. Rosas, the Belgium
contemporary dance company choreographed by Anne Teresa De
Keersmaeker has produced a creative dance based on this music.
Biwako Hall
Time: 19:30
Getting there: 5mins from Otsu station
Entry: ¥4,000, ¥6,000
Tel: 077-523-7136
www.biwako-hall.or.jp
April 8
Buddha's Birthday
Also known as Kambutsu-e Matsuri or Hana Matsuri and is celebrated
at most Buddhist temples. On this day a hall in the temple
is bedecked with colourful flowers and a statue of Buddha
is placed in the middle of a basin of water. People pour ama-cha,
a sweet tea or hydrangea tea on the head of the statue in
a ritual reminiscent of baptistism.
Shitenno-ji, Osaka
Getting there: Yuhigaoka station on Tanimachi line
Tel: 06-6771-0066
April 8-10
Omiwa Spring Festival
This is one of the most ancient shrines in Japan due to its
proximity to Mt. Miwa, which lies behind it. Dedicated to
the deity of liquor and medicine, once a year a portable festival
shrine is carried through the town, followed by a procession
of 300 people, including some on horseback.
Omiwa Shrine, Sakurai city
Getting there: 10mins from JR Miwa stn.
Tel: 0744-42-6633
April 9-10
Grand Tea Ceremony
O-Cha-Mori is a traditional event that has been going on for
over 700 years. Parti-cipants drink powdered green tea from
very large tea bowls that measure 50cm in diameter. Two or
three people are needed to help raise the bowl to the lips.
Saidai-ji, Nara
Getting there: Yamato-Saidaiji station
Entry: ¥4,000 (includes entrance to temple, tea and cake)
Tel: 0745-45-4700
April 13
Yasurai Festival
This festival is one of the three major festivals in Kyoto.
It was first held to drive out an epidemic that used to break
out around the time the cherry blossom petals started falling.
There is dancing and a procession of red and black-haired
ogres to dispel illnesses.
Imamiya Shrine, Kyoto
Getting there: City bus #46 to Imamiya Jinja Mae
Tel: 075-491-0082
April 13
Art of Living Talk & Course
Art of Living offers a new approach to spirituality, through
yogic practices, knowledge, and techniques. It is said these
techniques will help unlock our full human potential and put
us in touch with our true nature. This introductory talk will
explain more on how the many branches of yoga have provided
humankind with a wealth of knowledge, which can lead us to
greater joy, health and peace of mind.
Hyogo-kenmin-kaikan
Time: Free introductory talk at 19:00
Course schedule: April 19-24
Getting there: 7mins walk from Motomachi station on JR Hanshin
line
Z090-1913-3229
Email: info-kansai@artoflivingjapan.org
www.artoflivingjapan.org
April 14-16
Nagahama Float Festival
This festival dates back to the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The hikiyama wheeled floats are moving stages decorated with
the work of traditional crafts. Children perform Kabuki and
kyogen drama on the floats.
Nagahama City, Shiga
Getting there: Nagahama station on JR Hokuriku Line.
Tel: 0749-62-4111
April 19
Kim Yonja Concert 2005
This Korean singer is one of the few non-Japanese singers
to do well in the sphere of music known as, enka. Yonja first
came to Japan in 1977 and currently holds the title of, The
Korean Queen of Enka. An accomplished veteran, she will perform
well-known enka songs with her signature cheerful style.
Osaka Kosen-nenkin Kaikan
Time: 14:00 & 18:30
Getting there: Yotsubashi station (Exit 2)
Entry: ¥4,000, ¥5,000
Tel: 06-6776-1199
April 21-23
Barrier-Free 2005
If the current low birth rate continues, in the future there
will be more aged people in the world than young. Organized
by the Barrier-Free Trade Fair Organizing Committee, this
welfare exhibition will feature ways of how the aged and the
handicapped can live a comfortable and independent life.
Intex Osaka, Nanko
Time: 10:00-17:00
Getting there: Nanko Cosmo Square
Admission: Free
Tel: 06-6267-8213
April 22
Taga Festival
A festival of a dazzling 500-person parade which includes
in its procession samurai on horseback — celebrates
the beginning of farming and a plentiful harvest.
Taga town
Getting there: Taga stn on the Ohmi line
Tel: 0749-48-1101
April 25
Flea Market
More than 100 dealers gather in the sacred grounds of this
temple to sell their wares. From antiques to food, from gardening
tools to clothes, and more.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto
Time: Sunrise to sunset
Getting there: Bus from Kyoto station
Tel: 075-461-0005
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