“ Haru no Umi” is one of the best-known pieces in the koto repertoire and is often associated with the sound of the koto itself.

Composed by Michio Miyagi, this beloved piece has been enjoyed for generations.

Although the title means “The Spring Sea,” we have chosen it especially for the opening of our Moon Viewing Festival performance.

This arrangement features four kotos playing together, creating a rich, powerful and vibrant sound.

Please enjoy our special opening performance of “Haru no Umi.”

“Red Dragonfly” – Akatombo / Yurikago / Yūhi

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This medley brings together three familiar Japanese songs: “Akatombo” (“Red Dragonfly”), “Yurikago” (“Cradle”), and “Yūhi” (“Sunset”).

Their gentle and nostalgic melodies take on a new character when played on the koto.

We hope these familiar tunes bring back memories of Japan’s beautiful landscapes and seasons.

Inspired by the traditional koto piece “Chidori no Kyoku,” this work brings the atmosphere of classical Japanese music into a more contemporary koto composition.

The melodies evoke the image of plovers flying over the water, while the koto and jūshichigen (17-string koto) create rich layers of sound.

Imagine plovers flying across the water under the moonlight, and enjoy this atmospheric world of Japanese koto music.

This medley brings together four songs from different places and musical traditions.

“Ryoshū” is a Japanese song based on an American song, “Dreaming of Home and Mother.”

“Kokkyō no Sora” is a Japanese song based on the Scottish folk song “Comin’ Thro’ the Rye.”

“Swanee River” is a well-known old American song by Stephen Foster.

And finally, “Furusato” is a beloved Japanese song about one’s hometown and memories of home.

Although these songs come from different countries and backgrounds, they all share a feeling of nostalgia — a longing for a familiar place and memories of home.

Listen to how these melodies, connected by a common feeling of “home,” come together through the beautiful sound of the koto.

“Hatsu-uguisu” is one of the well-known koto compositions by Michio Miyagi and remains popular among koto musicians today.

The piece musically depicts the voice of the uguisu, or Japanese bush warbler, a bird traditionally associated with the arrival of spring.

At first, the bird seems almost unsure of its song, gradually becoming more confident and skillful.

Listen closely and enjoy the playful way the koto expresses the voice of the bush warbler.

Composed by Rentarō Taki, “Kōjō no Tsuki” is one of Japan’s most well-known traditional-style songs.

Its haunting melody evokes the image of an old castle illuminated by moonlight.

On a quiet evening at Sankeien, the sound of the koto adds another dimension to this nostalgic and mysterious atmosphere.

We invite you to imagine an ancient castle beneath the moon as you listen.

“Kuon” is an original koto composition featured in the anime and manga series Kono Oto Tomare! Sounds of Life.

The main character, Chika Kudo, feels a special connection to the piece because its title, “Kuon,” is the same as his family name.

In the story, the piece is performed by the koto club as they pursue their goal of competing at the national level.

“Kuon” is written for four parts — First Koto, Second Koto, Third Koto, and 17-string Koto.

The music is described in the story as:

“Racing through time like the wind, with a wish.”

The individual parts intertwine like pieces of a puzzle, passing the main melody from one instrument to another.

Listen as the koto and 17-string koto come together to create a dynamic flow of sound, full of movement and energy.

“Shōnen Jidai” is one of Yosui Inoue’s best-known songs.

Its beautiful and nostalgic melody brings to mind memories of summer and childhood.

As summer gradually gives way to autumn, enjoy this familiar melody in a new setting — performed on the koto against the evening scenery of Sankeien.

This medley brings together three songs that have been loved by generations of Japanese listeners.

“Ue o Muite Arukō,” internationally known as “SUKIYAKI,” is one of Japan’s best-known songs around the world.

Listen to how these familiar melodies are transformed through the sounds of the koto and 17-string koto in a special Kotomi-kai arrangement.

To close the program, we present a medley of three memorable pieces from Studio Ghibli films.

Music that has helped create the magical worlds of these films takes on a new character when performed on the koto.

Enjoy the world of Studio Ghibli together with the beautiful evening scenery of Sankeien.