The year 2014 marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland, and so a variety of events have been held in the two countries. Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Poland last year deepened Japan’s relationship with the Visegrad Group (V4), Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. This project aims at staging performances of Sujoruri (performed by a narrator (tayu)) and the shamisen in the absence of puppets) and Buyo (Japanese classical dance related to kabuki). Together, the performance will have the support of the Japan Foundation in Switzerland, Hungary, and Poland. By demonstrating the cultural heritage and Japanese sensibility, the aim is to promote mutual understanding between Japan and these countries that lasts into the next generation.
Performances:
Suodori (dancing without costume): Echigo Shishi (Echigo Lion), is performed by Kazutaro Nakamura
Sujoruri Shunkan, by Chitosedayu Takemoto and Tomisuke Toyozawa
Buyo Sagi Musume, by Kazutaro Nakamura
Mitsuya Kineya will perform a nagauta (long epic song), with Chotatsuro Imafuji on the shamisen and Roei Tosha playing non-stringed instruments.