site.btaJapanese Dances, Ancient Royal Music to be Performed in Sofia

A lecture and performance of classical Japanese dances, known as Nihonbuyo, will take place on Tuesday at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (NATFIZ) in Sofia. On October 12, traditional Japanese royal music gagaku will be performed at the Puppet Theatre in the capital. Both events are part of the 35th "Days of Japanese Culture" in Bulgaria, organizers said.

On Tuesday night Fujima Rankoh - world famous dancer and holder of the Japanese title Keeper of Significant Intangible Cultural Heritage - Japanese Traditional Dances, will present his skills.

A lecture by Sakurai Takako - dance critic and author of articles, reviews, reports and interviews on the subject, will also be held in the framework of the event. 

Saturday's concert will feature three performers of ancient Japanese woodwind instruments - hichiriki, ryuteki and sho - as well as two performers of classical court Japanese dances. Gagaku music originated in Eurasia and was brought to Japan along the Silk Road some 1,300 years ago. It carries elements from the musical arts of China, Korea, Persia, India and Vietnam. When it reached the Japanese islands, it mixed with the ancient music and dances of their inhabitants, took on a new form and was passed down from generation to generation to reach the present day.

It is believed that gagaku performers represent the oldest orchestra in the world. Gagaku has been declared an important intangible cultural heritage of Japan and is included on the UNESCO World List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

Nowadays the gagaku is performed at events at the Japanese Imperial Court, during ceremonies at shrines and temples in Japan, as well as in concert halls and other significant public venues.