2025.7.15 Kagerohi
On 15 July, I performed in a special event at Ryosoku-in Zen Temple, Kennin-ji, Kyoto.
Produced by JTB and directed by Takayuki Tanaka, flower artist, it was a special project with a price of 1.2 million yen per person. On the day of the Gion Festival Yoiyoiyama, in the tranquil space of Ryosokuin, the best of the cultures of space (architecture), Zen (style/arts), sound (Noh and music), food (jiki/cooking), and flowers (funeral flowers) was gathered together to create a “rain of culture” with the theme of “rain”.
The shoin study, where guests dine and where Hiroshi Sugimoto’s sliding door painting “Lightning Fields” is displayed, is also beautiful.
There is also a hanging scroll by Hiroshi Sugimoto entitled “Every Day is a Rough Day.” The theme is “Rain-begging,” so it is set to look like it is raining.
The theme of the performance is also “Rain-begging,” and composer Yu Kuwahara wrote new pieces “Amagoi Hannya” and “The Tale of Kannon’s Rain prayer” for this day, which were world premiered by Ryoko Aoki, violinist Tatsuki Narita, and percussionist Asuka Hatanaka.
In “Amagoi Hannya”, violin and percussion performed together while Master Toryo Ito recited the Heart Sutra.
Rehearsal in the dressing room.
Yu’s wonderful work gave the performance more energy! We will be welcoming our guests soon.
Yu Kuwabara “Amagoi Hannya” (World Premiere)
Toryo Ito (Sutra) Tatsuaki Narita (Violin) Asuka Hatanaka (Percussion)
Yu Kuwabara “The Tale of Kannon’s Rain prayer” (World Premiere)
Ryoko Aoki (Noh voice) Tatsuaki Narita (Violin) Asuka Hatanaka (Percussion)
It was a special project in which six guests were entertained by approximately 30 staff members. I would be happy if I could play a part in the experience of a dreamlike night. Everyone’s professional work was wonderful.
“Kagerohi”
15 July 2025 17:00-
Theme: [Rain-begging / kouu]
@Kenninji Temple subtemple, Ryosokuin, Kyoto
Zen: Toryo Ito
Tea ceremony: Fukutaro Nakayama
Cooking: Takatomo Izumi
Flowers: Takayuki Tanaka
Noh chanting: Ryoko Aoki
Violin: Tatsuaki Narita
Percussion: Asuka Hatanaka
Composition: Yu Kuwabara
With composer, Yu Kuwabara, percussionist, Asuka Hatanaka, violinist, Tatsuaki Narita. Perhaps our “rain-begging” was too effective, as there was heavy rain on the eve of the Gion Festival and on the day itself. . . I really appreciate this valuable opportunity.