As the days grow shorter and evenings cooler, the hogaku season begins to pick up. September, October and November are the best months for experiencing the arts in Japan as the creative impulses, stifled by the summer's oppressive humidity, break forth in an array of interesting concerts, recitals and events. The hogaku fare for autumn is the best of the year, culminating in the National Music and Arts Festival held in Tokyo and Osaka Oct. 2-Nov. 10.
The Orchestra Asia Japan Ensemble is directed by the noted Japanese composer Minoru Miki and includes an impressive group of young and midcareer hogaku players. Their upcoming concert, "Heian and Heisei: A Thousand-Year Connection," will feature three outstanding contemporary hogaku works.
Miki has spent his career writing compositions which put traditional Japanese instruments in modern settings. He has also worked hard to promote and encourage other younger Japanese composers.