#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Culture #Ryukyu Music #Traditional Instruments

Reviving Endangered Music through the 'Connecting Project'

In a bold initiative to preserve traditional Japanese music, the 'Connecting Project' is set to launch a concert series that focuses on endangered musical genres. The first event, titled 'The Foundation for Inheritance: Do You Know About the Ryukyu Kudzu?', will take place at the Shibuya Cultural Center on January 22, 2026. It aims to shine a spotlight on unique cultural heritage that is at risk of extinction.

This concert series includes performances of the Yatsuhashi School koto, Heike lore, and the Fukeshū shakuhachi, among other endangered sounds. The inaugural concert will feature guest artist Uechi Robin, a performer of the Ryukyu kudzu, adding depth and authenticity to the experience.

Concert Details

The upcoming event is scheduled as follows:

• - Date: January 22, 2026
• - Venue: Shibuya Cultural Center, Denchō Hall, 23-21 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Time: Doors open at 18:30; concert starts at 19:00
• - Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes
• - Tickets: Priced at 3,000 yen (tax included)

The concert will include performances of:

• - Yatsuhashi School koto by Ten and Jinchi
• - Heike tale by Tanaka Naoichi
• - Fukeshū shakuhachi by Danshinkū
• - Ryukyu kudzu by Uechi Robin performing "Nagi Nakafūbushi"

An Urgent Mission

The committee behind this concert series, known as the Endangered Species Concert Production Committee, recognizes that while society has advanced in many ways since the Meiji Restoration, significant elements of Japan's cultural identity are fading. They believe that without immediate action, much of what is uniquely Japanese could be lost forever within just fifty years.

The goal of the committee is to raise awareness about these issues, encouraging public engagement and showcasing the beauty of these traditions through a variety of artistic expressions. By transcending genres, they aim to attract diverse audiences to appreciate Japan's rich cultural tapestry.

Ticket Purchasing

Tickets for the event are now available through the Confetti website, managed by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd., based in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Interested attendees can visit Confetti's ticket page for purchasing and information regarding membership benefits.

This concert series is not just an artistic endeavor; it serves as a crucial platform for dialogue about the significance of keeping cultural traditions alive. Join us in this transformative experience and support the preservation of Japan's musical heritage for future generations.

For more details, visit the official website of the Endangered Species Concert Production Committee: Red List Concert.