Anyone interested in exploring the field of traditional Japanese music need look no further than the "Introductory Traditional Japanese Music Concerts" being staged at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space in Ikebukuro from Aug. 28-30.
Subtitled "Experience Exciting Japanese Sounds Using Voice and Instruments," the events are part of the current Tokyo Traditional Performing Arts Festival. They are especially aimed at exposing children and others unfamiliar with Japan's traditional arts to some of its numerous forms — including acting, singing, storytelling and traditional music.
The performances — hosted by popular comedian Hayashiya Kikuhime — will feature leading musicians in their fields. Audiences will also be able to take part in workshops with guidance available in English via headphones.
The event schedule opens with "Hop: Let's start with the first step!" at 5 p.m. on Aug. 28. Then, on Aug. 29, there's "Step-1: Sing and Narrate — Feel the traditional Japanese voice" at 1 p.m., and "Step-2: Play, Beat and Blow — Discover the mechanisms of musical instruments" at 4 p.m. Finally, at 1 p.m. on Aug. 30, there's "Jump: You will be a connoisseur of traditional Japanese music!"
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space is a two-min. walk from Ikebukuro Station (Exit 2b). Admission is ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for all students and children. Those who purchase a set of tickets for three or four of the events will receive a complimentary ticket for the traditional Japanese music concert "Autumn Concert under the Moon in Tokyo" at the Metropolitan Art Space Main Hall on Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. Otherwise, tickets for the concert are ¥3,000 for adults and ¥1,000 for all students. For more details and ticket sales, visit www.dento-wa.jp/en/top.html