Each year, an incredible event is held at Kumano-Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine and World Heritage Site located in the Kii Mountain Range of Wakayama Prefecture.   To kick off the ‘diamond celebration,’ a special concert will mark the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kobo Daishi, the Japanese Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. Yoshimi Tsujimoto, a shakuhachi player from Hashimoto, will perform in the concert scheduled to begin on October 22 at 13:30.    Moshi Moshi Nippon sat down with Yoshimi Tsujimoto to discuss her music and, most importantly, her interest in sharing the sound of the shakuhachi with the world.    −How did you become interested in the shakuhachi? My father loved the shakuhachi, and because of that, I grew up surrounded by the sound of it. That’s how it all began! −What attracts you to playing the shakuhachi?I love the timbre of the shakuhachi. Those who play the shakuhachi often say that a single note has the power to bring someone to enlightenment. Curiously, individual differences in tone are more easily discernible with the shakuhachi than with other instruments. That means that a person can express themselves in more unique ways.  −You’ve performed in many different countries. Do you get different reactions to the shakuhachi in other countries when compared to Japanese audiences?I have a vivid memory of a time I performed a classical shakuhachi piece solo. This particular type of classical music is called ‘wabi-sabi,’ and it isn’t very loud or lively. In Japan, when I finish a performance, people usually clap. But when I performed in South America, as soon as the piece concluded, there was a standing ovation with people shouting “Bravo!” That would never happen in Japan, and it left such a lasting impression on me. −Are there any countries that have left a lasting impression on you, or that you would like to visit in the future?I have good memories of every country I’ve visited, but I think that Cuba left the biggest impression. I just made me think about how incredible music can be.I’d love to visit Bulgaria, Morocco, Armenia, Uganda…it’s tough, because I want to visit every country I haven’t been to yet. (laughs) −You’re from Hashimoto City, near Mount Koya. How did you feel when you heard that this concert would be held so close to your hometown?What I felt was pure joy.Personally, I’ve always loved Mount Koya, and I went there many times as a child. It’s such a pleasure to be able to perform there. −Tell us some of your favorite memories involving Mount Koya.I go to Mount Koya at least three or four times a year. It’s not a particular memory per se, but every time I go, I love to eat vegetarian food, explore, and buy wheat buns and sesame tofu as gifts to take home. −Are there any local foods or places that you’d recommend?The fruit is delicious in Wakayama, and my hometown is famous for persimmons.They are so yummy, and I just want everyone to try them!Mount Koya and Kumano Kodo are both World Heritage sites, and they are both absolutely breathtaking. Other than those, I’d recommend Adventure World! It has adorable pandas roaming around freely and the most wonderful dolphin shows. Everyone from around the country should visit! −Finally, do you have a message for Moshi Moshi Nippon readers?Japan is filled with incredible places and culture. The shakuhachi, a beloved traditional Japanese instrument, is one piece of that culture.I want audiences around the world to hear the sound of the shakuhachi and to make it more familiar. If you have a chance to hear it, I hope you will. Be sure to follow Yoshimi Tsujimoto’s activities going forward as she shares the beauty and culture of shakuhachi with the world.

Each year, an incredible event is held at Kumano-Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine and World Heritage Site located in the Kii Mountain Range of Wakayama Prefecture.

  To kick off the 'diamond celebration,' a special concert will mark the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kobo Daishi, the Japanese Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. Yoshimi Tsujimoto, a shakuhachi player from Hashimoto, will perform, while the event also hopes to bring tourism to the area by sharing more information about Wakayama with the masses.   

Date: October 22, 2022, 13:30 Venue: Danjo-garan Buddhist Temple

Program:

[Part 1]　Chorus of local elementary school students, etc.

[Part 2]　Talk Session

Participants:

Hougen Yabu (Director of Head Temple Kongobu-ji on Mount Koya)

Yoshimi Tsujimoto (Shakuhachi player)

[Part 3]　Concert

Performer: Yoshimi Tsujimoto (Shakuhachi player)

*Will include a percussion, guitar, and keyboard session

 

<About the Call for Visitors>

350 Guests are Invited!

*If there are too many applicants, a drawing will be held.

*Livestreaming of the event will also be available online.

 

Application Period: August 23 - September 26, 2022

 *Postcards must be postmarked by September 26. Those applying n the website must do so by 23:59 on September 26.

 

How to Apply:

1. By postcard

Address: Yamabutai Concert Section Wakayama Broadcasting Co. 3-3 Minatohonmachi Wakayama, 〒640-8577

What to Include: Zip Code, Address, Name, Age, Phone Number, Admission *Can include up to 2 guests.

 

     2. On the special website

Please apply using the application form on the special website.

URL: https://yume.wbs.co.jp/

 

Keep in Mind:

1. Incomplete entries will be considered invalid.

2. Only one application per person is allowed.

3. If there are too many applicants, a drawing will be held. Winners will be announced when numbered tickets are sent out.

4. Personal information provided in each application will not be used for any purpose.

 

(For Reference) Past Performers

2015 - Hitomi Shimatani (Danjo-garan Buddhist Temple)2016 - Chitose Hajime (Kumano-Nachi Taisha)2017 - *Canceled due to typhoon.2018 - Kumiko (Oyunohara)2019 - May J. (Kumano-Nachi Taisha)2020 - *Canceled due to the ongoing pandemic.2021 - Yuki Koyanagi (Kumano-Nachi Taisha)  

■Cast Profiles

◆ Hougen Yabu / Director of Head Temple Kongobu-ji on Mount Koya

・1993 - Graduates from Koyasan University

・In 2011, he became the chief priest of Kirihata Temple, where he remains to this day.

        *Kirihata Temple [Fukuoka Prefecture] / Sasaguri 88 Sacred Sites, #10

・In 2021, he became the Director of Head Temple Kongobu-ji on Mount Koya and was also appointed as the director of the 1,250th birthday celebration for Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Buddhist sect.

◆ Yoshimi Tsujimoto / Shakuhachi Player

・Born in Hashimoto, Wakayama Prefecture in 1987.・Graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts, she has attracted media attention since she was a student, and has been active in a number of fields from traditional Japanese music to pop.・She has been invited to perform around the world, from the U.S. to Italy.　　(Overseas tours: 33 cites in 24 countries, 53 total performances)・In 2015, her cover of a song using traditional Japanese instruments went viral.　She began her solo project Bamboo Flute Orchestra to share the beauty of Japanese traditional instruments with people around the world.・In 2016, she made her major debut as the first-ever female solo shakuhachi player.

American music-themed restaurant Hard Rock Cafe has locations across Japan, and the Ueno location will soon be selling limited edition pins featuring Ueno Zoo’s famous giant pandas! Two designs will be available: one celebrating the panda’s birthdays and one commemorating Xiang Xiang’s return to China this December. Each pin will release in limited quantities of 500. Those wanting to grab one will need to either come to the Ueno Hard Rock Cafe location or head to the official online store.

Birthday Pandas Pin

Good Luck Panda Pin-4

  Xiang Xiang’s birthday is on June 12, and the giant panda recently had two adorable cubs Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei on June 23. Both pin designs also feature the Hard Rock Cafe logo. Don’t miss out on these cute pins–they’ll sell out quickly!

The Japanese loungewear brand gelato pique has launched a new series inspired by the twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei living at Ueno Zoo! The adorable new items went on sale on May 12, 2022.    The Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan. Located in Taito-ku, it was first opened in March 1882.   To commemorate Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei’s first birthday, gelato pique has created an incredible collection of loungewear and sundries. A portion of the proceeds will be given to the Giant Panda Conservation Support Fund to support education regarding pandas and conservation activities at the zoo.  

Xiao Xiao & Lei Lei Collaboration

Roomwear Set

Panda Blanket

Panda Multi-use Cover

   

gelato pique Original Panda Series

Panda Hoodie & Shorts Set

Panda Print T-Shirt / Shorts / Dress

Panda Glass

Small Panda Reuseable Bag

 

Online Exclusives

3-piece Panda Set

 

gelato pique Sleep

3-piece Panda Print Bed Set (Single) / Pillow Case with Panda Ears / Panda Nightcap / Panda Rug

  The Panda Series celebrates both the cute twin pandas at Ueno Zoo and all other pandas around the world. Still an endangered species, gelato pique wants to help these big animals however they can. The new collection’s theme is “happy time at home.”   Panda lovers shouldn’t miss grabbing something cozy from this new collection!

Gelato Pique Cafe is now selling panda-inspired sweets for a limited time! The Hello! PANDA promotion will be going on until June 23, 2022.  

Menu

  Panda Crepe   Panda Gelato   Panda Float  

Merchandise

Panda Glass*Limited quantities available. Available while supplies last.   The limited-time menu includes a Panda Crepe made with Royal Bourbon gelato, Panda Gelato with cookies crumbles for the eyes and around the neck, and a Panda Float made with the cafe’s original blend of Guatemalan coffee and Royal Bourbon gelato.   In addition, the popular panda glasses, which sold out immediately last year, have been redesigned and are now available in limited quantities. You can grab one at Gelato Pique Cafe locations nationwide and online.

MIKU LAND is Hatsune Miku’s official VR amusement park. The locale opens sporadically on the Virtual Cast platform, inviting fans of the virtual singer to interact with the star herself and other music lovers from around the world. From April 28 until May 1, the MIKU LAND 2022 YOSAKURA event will invite Vocaloid lovers to the metaverse to enjoy the cherry blossoms and a number of unique experiences.    Guests can visit Senbonzakura World, Miku’s Detective Agency, Rin & Len Kagamine’s Post Office in the Sky, and even a virtual haunted house during the event. VTubers Megu Shinonome, Tokino Sora, and Mirai Akari have been chosen as the official ambassadors of the event.   Senbonzakura WorldHatsune Miku’s iconic track Senbonzakura, written by Kurousa-P, turns 10 this year. What better way to enjoy it than beneath virtual cherry blossom trees? Even if you can’t visit Japan quite yet, enjoy the Japanese shrine atmosphere as you spend time with friends in this gorgeous virtual space. Miku's Detective AgencyThis puzzle-solving attraction invites guests to become assistant detectives by passing a test handed out by Detective Hatsune Miku! Those able to complete the challenge will also receive a limited-edition item. Rin & Len Kagamine's Post Office in the SkyThis post office in the clouds isn’t just a quiet place to relax. Visitors can take on a few different challenges, from mazes to more physical tasks. Official Ambassadors   Megu Shinonome Comment “I’ve been chosen as an ambassador for MIKU LAND! My name is Megu Shinonome, and I’m so excited to work with Miku! MIKU LAND keeps getting bigger and bigger, so I’m wondering what it will look like this spring…I’m looking forward to it! I’ll do my best along with my fellow ambassadors Tokino Sora and Mirai Akari to convey the many charms of MIKU LAND to as many people as possible. We can’t wait to see you!”   Tokino Sora Comment “I’m so excited to visit MIKU LAND again! I’ll do my best to make this another incredible event, and I’ll be sure to enjoy myself as much as possible!”   Mirai Akari Comment “I’ve been invited to MIKU LAND to act as the MC for this awesome event! During the SUMMER VACATION event, everyone on Virtual Cast was so kind to me. It was a blast, so I’m really looking forward to this too! I’ll be sure to bring some extra excitement, so don’t miss it!”