Date – Time: (Sat) 21 October 2023, 18:00 – 19:30
Duration: 90 minutes
Free
Language Japanese and Thai
The Japan Foundation, with corporate support from Japan Airlines, proudly presents “ Minyo – Homeland Melodies,’ demonstration and workshop on Japanese Traditional Folk Songs by MIKAGE PROJECT on October 21st , 2023 from 18:00 – 19:30.
Minyo is often referred to as the song of the people which reflects the way of life and tradition of Japanese villagers in the old times, passed down from generations to generations and now considered as a form of performing arts. The saying goes ‘"Min'yō wa kokoro no furusato’ which means Minyo music is the home for heart, as Minyo music evokes feelings of nostalgia of one’s homeland whether it exists or imagination.
MIKAGE PROJECT will introduce participants to Minyo and its unique characteristics. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to traditional Japanese folk songs with a modern sense by MIKAGE PROJECT. Also, MIKAGE PROJECT will demonstrate the 3 main Japanese musical instruments that are the heart of Minyo: Sakuhachi, Koto, and Shamisen. Additionally, participants will have the chance to harmonize in singing "Minyo" songs, allowing them to discover, understand, and experience the rich culture of Japan in another perspective, by expressing and exchanging this culture.
About MIKAGE PROJECT
Formed in December 2020, MIKAGE PROJECT is a group of musicians who compose and arrange minyo folk songs of various regions with a contemporary sensibility, promoting their allure within Japan and abroad.
“MIKAGE” refers to the soul or spirit of gods and buddhas. The group’s foundational principle is to preserve the sonic spirits of our predecessors for future generations through folk songs from around the world. MIKAGE PROJECT consists of three talented members, each of whom has explored the potential of traditional Japanese instruments: SATO Kouki (shakuhachi, shinobue, ohayashi, percussion instruments), ASANO Sho (Tsugaru shamisen, vocals), and HONMA Takashi (25-string koto). Each member began learning their respective instrument under family tutelage from a young age and has achieved distinction in both domestic and international competitions.
This event is part of the ‘MIKAGE PROJCET ASEAN TOUR 2023 in Thailand,’ held in Bangkok on October 22, 2023, at 18:00 at Lido 2, Lido Connect, and in Maha Sarakham on October 20, 2023, at Mae Nam Khong auditorium, Maha Sarakham University. For more details, you can follow this link: https://ba.jpf.go.jp/en/mikage-project-2/.
