
The Sound of
Japanese Spirits
A deep exploration of the essence of Japanese culture by masters of traditional arts - HOGAKU
Price / person (incl. tax)
JPY 6,000
Tickets are non-refundable
Date & Time
16:00 - 16:50 (50 minutes)
4, 11, 18, 25 JULY

1, 8, 15, 22 AUGUST
Capacity
32 people
Venue
Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall (address: 1-chōme-1-4 Kannonmachi, Kanazawa)
Just a minute’s walk from the entrance to the Higashi Chaya District.
Children aged 6 and below cannot participate in the event.
The event venue is on the second floor of the building and can only be reached by stairs.
To enter the venue, please make sure you are wearing socks. Walking barefoot may damage the Japanese tatami mat floors.
Hogaku is a Japanese term for traditional music that originated in Japan. It involves the use of traditional musical instruments and distinctive singing styles. It is a living art form that embodies the spirit of the Japanese people–encapsulating centuries of history, philosophy and aesthetics, and the efforts have been made to preserve the tradition and pass it on to future generations.
What is Hogaku –
the Sound of Japanese Spirits?
The Kaga Domain, a samurai-led government that ruled the area of Kanazawa, placed importance on fostering culture rather than strengthening military power. This focus made the city a centre of traditional crafts and performing arts. Because of this history, these cultural elements have long been integrated in the daily lives of the people in Kanazawa. Today, the city is renowned for its rich traditional culture, with many people devoting themselves to the enchanting world once cherished by the samurai.
Why Kanazawa?
The six performers are some of the top masters in this region–highly skilled in their profession, with many students under them. They have performed both in Japan and internationally. This is a rare opportunity to see such talented artists collaborate up close in an intimate setting. You will undoubtedly feel the power and presence each artist brings–something that cannot be fully experienced in a large concert hall.
Why Choose This Event?
PERFORMERS
Two of the six masters below take turns performing on each date.

Utafusa Tsuriya

Tamae Mochizuki

Mai Tosha

Garen Kitamura

Aya Kagayama

Hiroyuki Iwaki
KOTO Performer
What is KOTO?
Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument and is believed to be the oldest musical instrument in Japan. It has thirteen strings and is played with fingers with small plectra attached to them. Koto produces soft, melodic sounds with gentle, expressive tones.
HAYASHI Performer
What is HAYASHI?
Hayashi refers to the instrumental accompaniment often used in Noh and Kabuki performances. The term comes from hayashi-tateru, meaning “to encourage” or “to support” a performance. Various musical instruments are used in hayashi, including the tsuzumi, an hour-glass shaped hand drum.
YOKOBUE Performer
What is YOKOBUE?
Yokobue is a general term for various types of Japanese transverse bamboo flutes. Yokobue is widely used from Kabuki performances to traditional festivals in Japan. Different types of yokobue, made with varying materials or decorative elements, produce distintc melodies and pitches.
KOTO Performer
What is KOTO?
Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument and is believed to be the oldest musical instrument in Japan. It has thirteen strings and is played with fingers with small plectra attached to them. Koto produces soft, melodic sounds with gentle, expressive tones.
MIN'YO Performer
What is MIN'YO?
Min’yo are traditional Japanese folk songs that have been passed down through generations across Japan. They are often performed with instrumental accompaniment such as the shamisen (three-stringed guitar), taiko (drum), and fue (bamboo flute). Min’yo features a distinctive singing style that is markedly different from modern vocal techniques.
TAIKO Performer
What is TAIKO?
Japanese drums, or taiko, have a wooden body with leather covering the end surfaces. They were traditionally used in ceremonies at shrines and temples, and today they are often featured in festivals. While the hand drums are called tsuzumi, those played with sticks are referred to as taiko.
JULY


4 July - Koto & Hayashi


11 July - Min'yo & Taiko


18 July - Yokobue & Koto


25 July - Koto & Hayashi
4 July - Koto & Hayashi


1 August - Yokobue & Hayashi


8 August- Koto & Hayashi


15 August - Yokobue & Koto


22 August Min'yo & Taiko
SEATING
! IMPORTANT !
You may choose a row when purchasing your ticket, but specific seat locations cannot be selected.
Your seat number will be assigned and provided at check-in on the day of the event.
Once assigned by staff, your seat location cannot be changed.
If you are attending as a couple or a group, we will ensure that all members of your party are seated close to one another.


TICKETS