What we do

FUJIMOTO Akiko Jiuta Live 2015, the 75th annual Concert

  • Organization : FUJIMOTO Akiko
  • Section : None
  • Type of Grant Program : Single Individual
  • Art Forms : Japanese Traditional Art

Outline

The 75th Jiuta concert since 2001 is a rare opportunity to enjoy a varied selection from Jiuta, encountering the resonant vibration of the shamisen, the intricate plucking of the koto, and the meditative tone of the shakuhachi. To hear the sensuous complexity of these instruments with the beauty of the singing is to experience the antiquity and aesthetics of this significant traditional performing arts.
Jiuta were first heard in the early 17th century at private households and the entertainment districts around Kyoto and Osaka. Handed down by blind male musicians, this music rapidly flourished among the rising urban and literate classes during the Edo period. The fine timbre and subtle lyricism of Jiuta have been cultivated since then, creating an intimate relationship between the performers and the audience.
The main theme of the concert is R.I.P. to everyone died in war, since 15 August 2015, the concert day, will be the 70th memorial date of the end of the Pacific War. The Four pieces chosen from Jiuta ‘mourning’ repertoires are performd by sangen, koto and shakuhachi ensemble.
I would very much appreciate it if you could attend the concert and could touch the real tradition of Japanese culture.

Profile

FUJIMOTO Akiko, the foremost performer of Jiuta and Sōkyoku, is a daughter of the renowned Ningen-Kokuhō “Living National Treasure”, Kunie Fujii. Her family has passed on this historically influential and artistic music which has survived over 300 years, and her highly artistic singing style clearly embodies the world of Jiuta. Her haunting voice has achieved acclaim both in Japan and abroad. She had performed in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Australia. She has received a number of awards, including “Musician of a new generation” from the Agency of Cultural Affairs, special recognition from the Japan Traditional Cultures Foundation and Pola Traditional Cultures Foundation.

Contact

FUJIMOTO Akiko
voice, sangen koto
1-5-15-110, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0013
Tel: +81-(0)3-6421-1514
Fax: +81-(0)3-6421-1524
E-mail: akikof@tc4.so-net.ne.jp

Venues

Yomiuri Otemachi Hall (Chiyoda City, Tokyo)