#Japan #Tokyo #Taisho University #Cultural Symposium #Yagyo Storytelling

Unveiling the Mysteries of Yagyo: A Unique Event at Taisho University

On April 25, 2026, Taisho University in Toshima, Tokyo, will proudly host an insightful symposium titled "Yagyo Storytelling and Yagyo Paintings". This event marks two significant occasions: the centennial anniversary of Taisho University's foundation and the April meeting of the Storytelling Literature Association. The symposium aims to delve into the rich tradition of Yagyo storytelling, an area of study bridging various scholarly fields, including Buddhist narratives and Asian folklore.

The symposium will feature a diverse lineup of esteemed scholars and experts. Notable speakers include Professor Kazuaki Komine from Rikkyo University, who is known for his authority on Yagyo storytelling. Joining him will be Professor Daiki Sasaki from Taisho University's Faculty of Buddhist Studies, who specializes in the concept of Sonshō Dōrōni. Also participating is Doctor Peng-Wei Tsai from the Ryukoku University’s World Buddhist Culture Research Center, along with other distinguished professionals such as Misako Nagakura, who has extensively published works on Yagyo. Additionally, insights will be shared by Jin Tanaka, Associate Professor at Taisho University, and Tomoko Koida, Professor at Keio University, among others.

The event will be structured into two main segments: a keynote address and a symposium discussion. The opening will feature remarks by Taisho University President Chizumi Kamidata, followed by an explanation of the event’s purpose by Doctor Tsai. The highlight of the first segment will be a keynote speech by Professor Komine, titled "When Things Become Things—Yagyo and the Yagyo Painting". This presentation promises to offer profound insights into the intersection of material culture and narrative art.

The symposium will then transition into a detailed discussion with several presentations. Misako Nagakura will present on the 'Pearl Temple Manuscript of Yagyo Paintings and its Relation to Ritual Performances.' Professor Sasaki will discuss 'Sonshō Dōrōni and Yagyo,' while Doctor Tsai will illuminate the calendar connection between Yagyo storytelling and specific dates in a presentation titled 'The Date of Yagyo and the Gunjū Calendar'. Following these presentations, their findings will be commented upon and analyzed by the academic panel, consisting of Tanaka, Koida, and Professor Satomi Yamamoto from Waseda University, who specializes in art history.

As part of the event, the Taisho University library will host an exhibition of rare materials related to Yagyo. This display will showcase valuable manuscripts, including the Yagyo Painting, offering attendees a comprehensive view of its historical and cultural contexts. The exhibition will be open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM, with special access during the symposium's duration.

The event is open to all, with a nominal participation fee of 1,000 yen to cover materials costs. Everyone is encouraged to attend and engage in the vibrant discussions that promise to unravel the intricacies of Yagyo storytelling from multiple perspectives.

Important Event Details

• - Date: April 25, 2026 (Saturday) 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM (doors open at 1:00 PM)
• - Location: Taisho University, Building 8, 4th Floor Lecture Hall.
• - Registration: Interested participants can register via this link. For further inquiries, please contact the Storytelling Literature Association at [email protected].

About Taisho University

Taisho University, established in 1926, is a unique institution upheld by four Buddhist sects: Tendai, Shingon, Jodo, and Jishu. Its foundational philosophy focuses on ‘the practice of wisdom and compassion,’ promoting the Boddhisattva way of life, which aims for self-realization and the salvation of others. The university embodies this ethos through its educational vision, enhanced in its centennial year to further advance academic and research initiatives for future generations. More information can be found on their official website.