An extraordinary journey through the soul, history, and creativity of Japan. On the occasion of Japan Week in Palermo, master artists, performers, and enthusiasts of traditional and contemporary Japanese arts join together on stage to offer a unique collaborative experience. From the enchanting sounds of the koto and shakuhachi to the iconic melodies of Studio Ghibli and video games, reaching all the way to the narrative grace of Nihon Buyo dance and the sacredness of martial arts: an evening of harmony, cultural exchange, and a prayer for peace.

Evening Program

1. String Ensemble

  • Gakuso Tocco (Teachers and enthusiasts from the Japan String Teachers Association - JASTA)

    A string performance bridging Cremona's legendary violin-making tradition with the iconic Studio Ghibli soundtracks by director Hayao Miyazaki, alongside famous film music tied to the city of Palermo. Through a harmonious ensemble performance, we wish to share the soul and heart of Japan with the entire audience.

2. Traditional Japanese Dance

  • Nihonbuyo Yushiro no Kai (Nihon Buyo)

    A classical narrative art performed to the accompaniment of traditional instruments (shamisen, koto, tsuzumi) and stage props such as fans and umbrellas. The movements express the beauty of nature, the changing of the four seasons, and the delicate emotions woven into poetry. A single dancer portrays multiple roles (men, women, parents, and children), shifting characters purely through mastery of movement and expression.

3. Contemporary Music

  • Sogo College SEO Electone

    The Electone is an instrument born in Japan, capable of reproducing the sound of an entire orchestra with a single performer. After performing across various regions of Japan and on local television broadcasts, the artists bring a selection of pieces to Palermo designed to showcase its extraordinary tonal richness.

4. Piano & Pop Culture

  • Matsumoto Music School

    Winner of the Polish Consul General Award at the Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition and Gold Medalist at the European International Piano Competition in JAPAN. Featuring a repertoire dedicated to beloved Japanese pop culture melodies, including "A Town with an Ocean View" (from Kiki's Delivery Service) and a thrilling Super Mario Bros. medley.

5. Traditional Music

  • YUINENO-KAI & CHIKUKUUKAI

    • Yuineno-kai: An ensemble that has brought the melodies of Japan to Europe across more than ten tours. They present a performance featuring traditional string instruments (koto and the 17-string ju-shichigen), accompanied by percussion and flute.

    • Chikukuukai: An association of shakuhachi enthusiasts, the ancient five-holed bamboo flute. They offer a harmonious joint performance combining the shakuhachi and koto to bring these ancient traditional tones to life.

6. Sacred Dance & Martial Arts

  • MEISOUMAI & Amane-ryu

    • Meisō Mai ("Meditation Dance"): A dance art rooted in the ancient ritual dances of Miko (Shinto priestesses) expressing prayer and gratitude. Awarded the Higashikuninomiya Cultural Award (2025), it brings a message of world peace to Palermo.

    • Amane-ryū (Hōjō): A school that reinterprets ancient Japanese philosophies and martial arts based on the mind-body connection. They present a fluid performance blending elements of swordsmanship, staff (jo), and dance.

Notice for the Audience: Admission to the event is completely free, but access is permitted only with prior reservation, subject to seat availability. The official link for online reservations will be made available very soon.