Harlem Gospel Choir
OSAKA Dec 13th
Christmas is a time of love and peace to all
men. For The Harlem Gospel Choir, the theme of every performance
is a message of love, peace and harmony.
The Choir was founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey, a promotional director
with over thirty years in the entertainment industry. Bailey got
the idea while attending a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. at the renowned Cotton Club in Harlem. Using
his extensive experience in managerial skills he gathered the
finest singers and musicians from various churches in Harlem.
The choir has traveled the globe sharing its message with thousands
of people from various nations, background and culture. Through
vibrant music and dynamic performance the choir strives to make
the world a more loving and peaceful place and to bring a better
understanding of the African-American culture. Over a period of
years the group has become one of the most outstanding gospel
choirs in the world.
The line-up of songs for this concert has been chosen to be inspirational
and to touch the the soul. We are the World, Oh Happy Day, Ain't
No Mountain High Enough, Silent night and many others. The choir
is very active in raising funds for children's charities.
Festival Hall
Time: 7pm • Getting there: Yotsubashi line, Higobashi stn.
Admission: ¥3,800, ¥4,800, ¥5,800
Tel: 06-6233-8888
Kodo
OSAKA Dec. 17&19
Kodo, is the name of one of the foremost Japanese
drumming groups that has become an international phenomenon. Since
1981, the group has continually strived to explore the limitless
possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko. Taiko
means simply, great drum.
Each year Kodo says goodbye to the past year and welcomes in the
new with the December Concert Series. Brimming with energy, power
and passion, the concert fuses Kodo classics as well as new, original
pieces. Having performed in all continents except Antarctica,
the group has been exposed to a wealth of musical experience,
which now exerts a strong influence on their performances and
compositions. Kodo have delighted audiences throughout Japan and
around the world with their passionate pulsating shows and have
become known as ambassadors of peace, as they attempt to spread
their message of world peace through their music.
A show teeming with energy and exploding with power to provide
a dramatic close to the year. Please refrain from bringing pre-schoolers.
Osaka Kosei Nenkin Kaikan
Time: 17th at 6:30pm and 18th at 3pm
Getting there: Yotsubashi stn, Exit 2
Admission: ¥5,500. ¥6,000 at the door
Tel: 06-6362-8122
Handbells in Xmas
ITAMI Dec 19th
Believe it or not, handbell music is getting
to be more popular with each coming year. Most handbell ensembles
can ring music written for the piano or flute but much of the
music for this instrument is specially arranged or composed. All
the way from the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sonos Handbell Ensemble
will ring in Christmas with a selection of classical pieces to
include Handel's Messiah and the Bach/Gounod version of Ave Maria.
Also on the agenda are those familiar Christmas favou-rites, Jingle
Bells, White Christmas and others. Under the direction of James
Meredith, enjoy a feast of Yuletide tintinnabulation.
Itami Aiphonic Hall
Time: 7pm
Getting there: Hankyu line, Itami stn
Admission: ¥3,000, discount for students
Tel: 072-780-2110
http://hccweb1.bai.ne.jp/aiphonic/
Maria Sharapova Japan Tour
OSAKA Dec.21
Born in Russia. Made in the USA. Maria Sharapova
shot to fame when she became the second youngest Wimbledon women's
champion in 2004, after Martina Hingis.
This is a tour to entertain rather than to show off her athletic
prowess. Before Sharapova picks up her tennis racket she will
walk down the catwalk modelling Samantha Thavasa fashion and the
Maria Sharapova 2006 collection. After the fashion show, the games
begin. There will be an exhibition match against Ai Sugiyama,
then Ai will be her partner in the doubles match. Maria will also
give advice to children in the Maria Sharapova tennis clinic.
Osaka Jo Hall
Time: 7pm • Getting there: Osaka Jo stn
Admission: ¥5,000-¥12,000
Tel: 06-6233-8888
Events compiled by Mylene Oishi
Kansai Event Listings December
| Dec. 1 & 2
Ballet
The Tokyo Ballet Company (TBC) presents two programs of
Bolero with French ballerina Sylvie Guillem. It is the last
time Guillern will perform this dance in Japan.
Program A: Theme & Variation — TBC
Program B: Spring and Fall — TBC
Festival Hall, Osaka
Time: 6:30pm
Admission: ¥3,000-¥15,000
Tel: 06-6231-2221
Dec. 9
Momoji Day
This is a gathering for all friends of NPO Momoji, the organizer
of various cultural events in Osaka. It is a time to get
togeth- er to chat while enjoying tea and snacks.
Umeda Chaya-machi, on the corner of Chaya-machi art gallery
Time: 4pm-8pm
Getting there: Umeda stn
Admission: ¥500
Tel: 090-6249-8417
Dec. 10
Christmas Live!
An evening of jazz with musician, Sadao Watanabe, player
of alto sax and the sopranino sax. Watanabe will play both
instruments to perform pieces in tune with the Christmas
spirit. The sopranino has the highest pitch of all saxophones.
Festival Hall, Osaka
Time: 6pm
Admission: ¥1,000-¥6,500
Tel: 06-6453-6000
Dec.10 & 11
Opera
The opera, Gianni Schicchi is based on a brief episode in
Dante's Divine Comedy (Inferno, XXX, 22-48). Music by Puccini,
libretto by Giovacchino Forzano. Masahiro Ozaki conducts
the Century Orchestra Osaka and the Biwako Hall Vocal Ensemble.
Directed by Keiichi Nakamura.
Biwako Hall
Time: 2pm
Getting there: Otsu stn
Admission: ¥3,000, ¥1,500 student
Tel: 077-523-7133
http://www.biwako-hall.or.jp/
Dec. 11
Osaka International Dog Show
The biggest dog show in West Japan orga- nized JKC Osaka
Block Council. As many as 1,200 purebreds will gather from
acro- ss the country to compete for champion-ship. Many
dog items will go on sale.
Intex Osaka
Time: 9am-5pm
Getting there: Cosmos Square stn.
Admission: ¥500. Free for the handicapped (and one chaperon)
Tel: 090-3272-7069
Dec. 12
Musical — Miffy's Birthday
To celebrate the fiftieth birthday of the long-eared character
created by Dick Bruna, a musical and concert will be performed,
starring many lookalike
Miffys and other characters. Lots of
fun for young children.
Otsu-shi Shimin Kaikan
Time: 1pm & 4pm
Getting there: Otsu stn, Shiga
Admission: ¥2,000. ¥2,500 on the day
Tel: 077-543-2560
Dec. 12 until February
A Chorus Line
Large number of hopefuls audition, hop-ing to be selected
as a dancer for a large production. This is the story line
of this musical with a great deal of dance numbers. It is
also about the nitty-gritty and the razzmatazz of show business.
It was conceived and originally directed and choreographed
by Michael Bennet.
Kyoto Gekijo
Time: Matinees 1pm, 1:30pm & 2pm but not every day.
Evenings 5:30pm & 6pm, not every day
Getting there: JR Kyoto stn
Admission: ¥3,150-¥15,000
Tel: 075-353-3551
Dec. 18
Event Party
Lisa language school and culture salon will hold a winter
event party. Belly dancing, salsa, Chinese kung-fu and music.
There will also be a foreign language communication corner.
Sam & Dave, Umeda
Time: 3pm-7pm
Getting there: Umeda stn
Admission: ¥2,000 includes one drink. ¥2,500 at
the door, children free
Tel: 080-5707-8998
http://www.axisweb.co.jp/lisa/
Dec. 20
Meotoiwa Oshimenawahari Shinji
In the middle of the sea there are two rocks, a male and
a female, which are bound together by ropes. This binding
is said to be the same as placing a sacred straw rope on
a Torii. The ropes are changed three times a year. The Meotoiwa
is the rock approach used for worship of the Okitama Shinseki.
Futami Okitama Jinja shrine, Mie
Time: 10am, one hour to change the rope
Getting there: JR Line, Futami stn
Tel: 0596-43-2020
Until Dec. 25
German Christmas Market
Hot wine, spiced wine, sausage, beer, chocolates, soup,
candles, Christmas ornaments and more, all the way from
Germany. A huge Christmas tree is beautifully illuminated
in the centre of the market and there is also a 110-year-old
merry-go-round. St Nicolas will make daily appearances to
open a window of the Advent calendar. He will also be around
on 22nd & 24th from 7pm-9pm and on 23rd & 25th from
6pm-9pm to greet young children, give out candies and little
gifts and have his picture taken. Other special events are
planned.
Umeda Sky Building
Time: Mon-Fri Noon-9pm. Sat & Sun 11am-10pm
Getting there: JR line, Osaka stn or Hankyu line, Umeda
stn
Tel: 06-6440-3901
CHRISTMAS LISTINGS
Dec. 1-25
Twinkle Joyo
A winter event featuring a wealth of lights and tree illuminations.
Various Christmas figures and forms, some up to 4m high
are bought to life with bright multi-coloured lights. The
main theme this year concerns locomotion and ancient tombs.
Recreation zone of Konosuyama Athletic Park, Kyoto
Time: 5:30pm-9:30pm
Getting there: JR Line, Joyo Stn.
Tel: 0774-56-4029
Dec. 1-25
Osaka Renaissance of Light
Each year Norway gives a Christmas tree as a symbol of love
and peace to major cities in the world, Osaka being one
of them. Known as the World Linking tree,
it is decorated and with illumination. Enter- tainment follows
the light up ceremony.
In front of Osaka City Hall
Time: Light up ceremony 5:30pm on 1st, other days 5pm-11pm
Tel: 06-6615-0696
Dec. 1-25
Nakanoshima Illumination Street
Christmas lights illuminate the Miotsuku-shi promenade in
Nakanoshima Park. Amazing illumination shows are held every
30mins. On Riverside Park, trees along the river will be
lit up and light configurations in the shape of animals
will be on display from 19th to 26th Dec.
Nakanoshima Island
Time: 5pm-11pm
Getting there: Midosuji/Yodoyabashi stn
Tel: 06-6615-0695
Dec. 1 until Mar
Kobe Kitano Christmas Street
Illumination of the promenades and Ijinkan, the Old Foreign
Settlement. Various Christmas events are planned.
Kitano-cho
Time: 5pm-11pm
Getting there: JR, Hankyu or Hanshin Line, Sannomiya Stn
Tel: 078-322-5339
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