An event is set to be held at the National Theatre of Japan in Chiyoda, Tokyo on February 24, 2019 to mark the 30th anniversary of Emperor Akihito’s ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne. It has been announced that Japanese singer-songwriter and dance Daichi Miura will sing Utagoe no Hibiki, a song composed by the Empress and lyrics written by the Emperor themselves.
Daichi Miura has been dubbed the “Japanese Michael Jackson.” He has won the Kōhaku Uta Gassen song battle two years in a row for his energetic dancing and singing skills.
Utagoe no Hibiki written by both the Emperor and Empress centers around the imperial couple’s first trip to Okinawa in 1975 when attitudes towards the imperial family were complicated as a result of the war. It was a heated period during which an incident occurred where a Molotov cocktail was thrown at and missed the couple.
During their visit, the Emperor and Empress wished to pay a visit Okinawa Airakuen Sanatorium, a sanatorium for suffers of leprosy.
The imperial couple spoke and interacted with each and every person in the sanatorium. It was after this that people began to sing Danjokareyoshi, a traditional Okinawan sea song, and the Emperor and Empress stayed and listened until the end.
The Emperor composed a ryuuka―a form of Okinawan fixed poetry―about this time which the Empress turned into the song Utagoe no Hibiki.
“The sound of their singing and the smiles of those who saw us off still rings close in my heart.”
This song written by the imperial couple that ties binds the imperial family and Okinawa will be sang for the very first time at the event in February.
YOSHIKI of X Japan held a celebratory piano performance titled Anniversary for the 10th anniversary and EXILE performed Taiyou no Kuni for the 20th. Excitement is high to see what kind of performance Daichi Miura puts on for the 30th anniversary.
Talking about the opportunity, Miura commented: “I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to sing this very special song conceived from the minds of the Emperor and Empress. I will sing with all my might and strength to deliver the beauty and the message of this song to people and for the celebration and gratitude of 30 years of their reign.”
Information
His Majesty the Emperor’s 30th Anniversary
Date: February 24, 2019
Location: National Theatre of Japan (4-1 Hayabusachō, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo)