Hogaku: New Sounds from Japan 2008

The Japan Foundation presents a traditional Japanese folk performance groups, Wariki, and Goto & Obama at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 from 7:30 p.m.

Hogaku, traditional Japanese music, traces it roots to the earliest stages of Japanese history, where poetry and song have played key roles in society with little distinction made between the two. The performers for “Hogaku: New Sounds from Japan” will dually present the audience with a journey back to the roots of Japanese music while pushing the restraints of their traditional training with this exploration and energetic performance.

This festive event features the traditionally trained Japanese folk musicians of Wariki including Akira Katogi, taiko, dance and performance; Shunsuke Kimura, yokobueand tsugaru- jamisen; Etsuro Ono, tsugaru-jamisenand taiko; and Shingo Ikegami, koto. Wariki is joined by musical group Goto & Obama featuring Yukihiro Goto on Satsuma biwa and Akihito Obama on shakuhachi.

In this first US tour for both groups, audiences will be treated to a concert of high energy and innovation from this collection of young and emerging artists who exhibit a full range of mastery of their traditional Japanese folk instruments.

DATE: Wed., January 16, 2008
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

ADMISSION: General Admission: $20; JACCC Members: $15 (Seniors and Students)