Event

BLOGEvent

2019.10.18

Keihoku song and future concert 2019

We have many event in Autumn in Japan.Sports events, festivals, Food events, and art events.Let me inform you about a music event "Keihoku song and future concert 2019".An orchestra Amicitia performs at this concert collaborates with Keihoku local students. Mr. Tokiwa is the representative and project leader of Amicitia Orchestra and who is works in Kyoto city as a Kyoto northern mountain area activator.He organizes this music concert as an interactive event to get new awareness for local students and orchestra members by having an interactive workshop and trying to solve the social issue.Great isn't it!?See their smiles, I can see the bright future. ◎ Keihoku Uta and Future ConcertNovember 10, 2019 (Sunday) 15:00 opening 15:30 start At: Keihoku Goudouchosha 3F hall1-1 Kamiterada, Shuzan-cho, Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto-cityAmy Kitia Orchestrahttps://www.orchestra-amicitia.org/https://www.facebook.com/orche.amicitia/

BLOGEvent

2019.10.14

Yamaguni shrine festival

I was worried about the weather, but yesterday's Yamaguni Festival (Kankōsai) was held with no problems.Many Yamaguni locals participate in the festival.Also many people come back to the area from Kyoto City or from far away to participate in the festival, and immigrants to the area also participate in the festival, which I think is a good opportunity to keep the community strong and get know each other. This festival has been held mainly for residents of 7 villages of Ono-cho, Shimo-cho, Tsuj-cho, To-cho, Torii-cho, Nakae-cho, and Higae-cho.This time, I joined Nakae-cho team as a helper.At noon, we received sacred sake at each village and gathered at Yamaguni Shrine.(The main shrine.)About 70 Mikoshi carriers participated in this year.The Shito priest gave a Shinto ritual prayer and did a ceremony, and then Mikoshi time is started.The Yamaguni party leads the Mikoshi.The unique melody of the flutes the drums sound feel the history.There ware breaks at each village. Softdrinks, sakes, and foods are served there.If I get drunk, I won't be able to carry the Mikoshi, so I tried not to drink too much.It's fun to chat with people who you know or the first time at the break time.These rods called Hoko and they walk in front of Omikoshi.There is a bell at the tip, and they make sound while walking.I tried Hoko. It was heavy and difficult to make the sound of the bell, I had to jump. Omikoshi is lifted up 3 times like tossing it in the air at some points like shrines.You have to be careful not to drop the Omikoshi on your lap.It was completely dark by the time we arrived at Goryo Shrine where the portable shrine is stored.We had a ceremony and finished. It was a very meaningful day that I could feel the tradition and spirit rooted in the region.In the evening, I joined in a after party in Nakae-cho and had sake and a good meal. Today, I'm having comfortable whole-body muscle pain and a slight hangover.I think it's really important to have the festival can keep good culture.I would like to join the festival next year too.

BLOGEvent

2019.10.12

Before the festival

I'm gonna join Yamaguni festival tomorrow and carry a mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine).But I wonder how the typhoon 19th effects on the festival.It would be the first time for me to join it. I think mikoshi carry people are looking cool and I always wanted join it.Shinto followers believe that Mikoshi serves as the vehicle to transport a deity while moving between a main shrine and small shrines during a festival.We're gonna carry the mikoshi around the area spending all afternoon from 12 pm to 6 pm to gratitude to the deity about keep the community safe and good harvest and etc.It's gonna be so tough on the shoulders. I put cushions on the shoulders.Maybe it doesn't look good, but I don't want to get injured.The rugby world cup is super hot in Japan now, and Keihoku rugger men(Mikoshi carrier) would get hot tomorrow.Please come and check the festival.You would feel Japanese spirituality.

BLOGEvent

2019.10.06

Keihoku sports day

I joined a local sports day today.There are many easy competitions at the sports day anyone can join from young to old.beanbags toss.Each team member tries to throw small beanbags into a basket placed on top of a high pole.This is Intervillage relay using cardboard boxes as baton.I think It's a good opportunity for Keihoku locals and Keihoku newcomers to get to know each other.After finish the event we have a party with neighbors to keep the village connection strong.

BLOGEvent

2019.09.22

Autumn satoyama festival

We have Yamaguni sakigake Festa on Sunday October 13th. Festival is called Matsuri in Japanese.Local men carry Mikoshi(mobile shrine) with shinto deities around the area to show their gratitude about their well being and good harvests and many things.It would be very interesting to see the maturi.----◎Yamaguni sakigake Festaon Sunday October 13th 10:00http://sakigake-festa.yamaguni.com/inquiry/https://twitter.com/yamaguni_saki

BLOGEvent

2019.09.16

A small great courage

On Sunday, I went to『KEIHOKU MUSIC FESTA』run by Keihoku local music lovers at Utsu elementary school. We have this every year on this season.Many young and old locals came to see.While an instrumental band were playing,Old lady A "Don't they sing songs!? "Old lady B "Yes, only accompaniment. "They are chatting so while enjoying their shaved ice (kakigori).Many bands performed at this event.I came to see the Japanese drum team "Yushinko".Actually my 5 years old daughter has joined the Yushinko Kids(U kids) and started learning Japanese drumming recently. And it was the first stage for her.So I came to see her debut as her father.She was a bit nervous but played really great.I'm very proud of her.I appreciate this opportunity. Great isn't it!?I was chatting with Mr. Eguchi who plays at the instrumental band.Me "I got a guitar from my friend, but I haven't played the guitar much recently"Mr. Eguchi "Ohh you play guitar!?"Me "Yes, kind of."Mr. "Let me know if you want to join and play at this event, there is no audition."Me "Ohh OK. thank you. But my skill is not good enough to perform at the stage..."Now I need to ask my daughter to share me a little bit of her courage.

BLOGEvent

2019.09.01

Art craft music fes "Tsukuru Mori"

In Autumn we have a lot of events in Keihoku.So let me introduce an art craft music event "Tsukuru Mori" on September 22nd(Sun) and 23(Mon).It is created by local artisans, craftsmen, and musicians. Connecting people inter-locally by creating this event.Many Catering booths where you can taste local foods like gibier, organic foods.And You can join craft and music workshops. Find artworks in the forest.Listen to many kinds of world music on stage.You can enjoy Until 10 pm on 22nd. You can stay over on 22nd by camp field costs just 500 yen.It's gonna be super fun.I'm excited about it. Let's create "Tsukuru mori" together!Don't miss it.--------◎Tsukuru Mori　Date : September 22nd(Sun) and 23(Mon).Place：Awl Keihoku Address: 2 Toridani, Shimonaka-cho, Keihoku, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shiWebsite:　https://www.tsukurumori.com/Facebook： ツクル森アート・クラフト・世界の音楽会

BLOGEvent

2019.08.24

Rakugo dojo

My neighbor Mr. Katsuyama invited me Rakugo event at his place.(Rakugo is traditional Japanese comic storytelling.)Mr. Katsuyama is practicing Rakugo last 6,7 years.I went to see the Rakugo show at Mr. Katsuyama's Rakugo special hall.The stage is on a minitruck.This is portable Rakugo stage can have a Rakugo show anywhere.Two Rakugo master talk on the stage.It was really funny.Rakugoka (Rakugo person) plays as various people alone.They are a really good actor and storyteller.I wish I could talk like them.Try listening Rakugo and feel Japanese Traditional sense of comedy.