Each year, an incredible event is held at Kumano-Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine and World Heritage Site located in the Kii Mountain Range of Wakayama Prefecture.

To kick off the ‘diamond celebration,’ a special concert will mark the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kobo Daishi, the Japanese Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. Yoshimi Tsujimoto, a shakuhachi player from Hashimoto, will perform in the concert scheduled to begin on October 22 at 13:30. 

Moshi Moshi Nippon sat down with Yoshimi Tsujimoto to discuss her music and, most importantly, her interest in sharing the sound of the shakuhachi with the world.

−How did you become interested in the shakuhachi? 

My father loved the shakuhachi, and because of that, I grew up surrounded by the sound of it. That’s how it all began!

−What attracts you to playing the shakuhachi?

I love the timbre of the shakuhachi. 

Those who play the shakuhachi often say that a single note has the power to bring someone to enlightenment. 

Curiously, individual differences in tone are more easily discernible with the shakuhachi than with other instruments. That means that a person can express themselves in more unique ways.

 −You’ve performed in many different countries. Do you get different reactions to the shakuhachi in other countries when compared to Japanese audiences?

I have a vivid memory of a time I performed a classical shakuhachi piece solo. This particular type of classical music is called ‘wabi-sabi,’ and it isn’t very loud or lively. 

In Japan, when I finish a performance, people usually clap. But when I performed in South America, as soon as the piece concluded, there was a standing ovation with people shouting “Bravo!” That would never happen in Japan, and it left such a lasting impression on me.

−Are there any countries that have left a lasting impression on you, or that you would like to visit in the future?

I have good memories of every country I’ve visited, but I think that Cuba left the biggest impression. I just made me think about how incredible music can be.

I’d love to visit Bulgaria, Morocco, Armenia, Uganda…it’s tough, because I want to visit every country I haven’t been to yet. (laughs)

−You’re from Hashimoto City, near Mount Koya. How did you feel when you heard that this concert would be held so close to your hometown?

What I felt was pure joy.

Personally, I’ve always loved Mount Koya, and I went there many times as a child. It’s such a pleasure to be able to perform there.

−Tell us some of your favorite memories involving Mount Koya.

I go to Mount Koya at least three or four times a year. It’s not a particular memory per se, but every time I go, I love to eat vegetarian food, explore, and buy wheat buns and sesame tofu as gifts to take home.

−Are there any local foods or places that you’d recommend?

The fruit is delicious in Wakayama, and my hometown is famous for persimmons.They are so yummy, and I just want everyone to try them!

Mount Koya and Kumano Kodo are both World Heritage sites, and they are both absolutely breathtaking. Other than those, I’d recommend Adventure World! It has adorable pandas roaming around freely and the most wonderful dolphin shows. Everyone from around the country should visit!

−Finally, do you have a message for Moshi Moshi Nippon readers?

Japan is filled with incredible places and culture. The shakuhachi, a beloved traditional Japanese instrument, is one piece of that culture.

I want audiences around the world to hear the sound of the shakuhachi and to make it more familiar. If you have a chance to hear it, I hope you will.

Be sure to follow Yoshimi Tsujimoto’s activities going forward as she shares the beauty and culture of shakuhachi with the world.

Each year, an incredible event is held at Kumano-Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine and World Heritage Site located in the Kii Mountain Range of Wakayama Prefecture.

To kick off the ‘diamond celebration,’ a special concert will mark the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kobo Daishi, the Japanese Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. Yoshimi Tsujimoto, a shakuhachi player from Hashimoto, will perform, while the event also hopes to bring tourism to the area by sharing more information about Wakayama with the masses. 

Date: October 22, 2022, 13:30
Venue: Danjo-garan Buddhist Temple

Program:

[Part 1]　Chorus of local elementary school students, etc.

[Part 2]　Talk Session

Participants:

Hougen Yabu (Director of Head Temple Kongobu-ji on Mount Koya)

Yoshimi Tsujimoto (Shakuhachi player)

[Part 3]　Concert

Performer: Yoshimi Tsujimoto (Shakuhachi player)

*Will include a percussion, guitar, and keyboard session

<About the Call for Visitors>

350 Guests are Invited!

*If there are too many applicants, a drawing will be held.

*Livestreaming of the event will also be available online.

Application Period: August 23 – September 26, 2022

 *Postcards must be postmarked by September 26. Those applying n the website must do so by 23:59 on September 26.

How to Apply:

1. By postcard

Address: Yamabutai Concert Section
Wakayama Broadcasting Co.
3-3 Minatohonmachi
Wakayama, 〒640-8577

What to Include: Zip Code, Address, Name, Age, Phone Number, Admission
*Can include up to 2 guests.

     2. On the special website

Please apply using the application form on the special website.

URL: https://yume.wbs.co.jp/

Keep in Mind:

1. Incomplete entries will be considered invalid.

2. Only one application per person is allowed.

3. If there are too many applicants, a drawing will be held. Winners will be announced when numbered tickets are sent out.

4. Personal information provided in each application will not be used for any purpose.

(For Reference) Past Performers

2015 – Hitomi Shimatani (Danjo-garan Buddhist Temple)

2016 – Chitose Hajime (Kumano-Nachi Taisha)

2017 – *Canceled due to typhoon.

2018 – Kumiko (Oyunohara)

2019 – May J. (Kumano-Nachi Taisha)

2020 – *Canceled due to the ongoing pandemic.

2021 – Yuki Koyanagi (Kumano-Nachi Taisha)

■Cast Profiles

◆ Hougen Yabu / Director of Head Temple Kongobu-ji on Mount Koya

・1993 – Graduates from Koyasan University

・In 2011, he became the chief priest of Kirihata Temple, where he remains to this day.

        *Kirihata Temple [Fukuoka Prefecture] / Sasaguri 88 Sacred Sites, #10

・In 2021, he became the Director of Head Temple Kongobu-ji on Mount Koya and was also appointed as the director of the 1,250th birthday celebration for Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Buddhist sect.

◆ Yoshimi Tsujimoto / Shakuhachi Player

・Born in Hashimoto, Wakayama Prefecture in 1987.

・Graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts, she has attracted media attention since she was a student, and has been active in a number of fields from traditional Japanese music to pop.

・She has been invited to perform around the world, from the U.S. to Italy.

　　(Overseas tours: 33 cites in 24 countries, 53 total performances)

・In 2015, her cover of a song using traditional Japanese instruments went viral.

　She began her solo project Bamboo Flute Orchestra to share the beauty of Japanese traditional instruments with people around the world.

・In 2016, she made her major debut as the first-ever female solo shakuhachi player.

American music-themed restaurant Hard Rock Cafe has locations across Japan, and the Ueno location will soon be selling limited edition pins featuring Ueno Zoo’s famous giant pandas! Two designs will be available: one celebrating the panda’s birthdays and one commemorating Xiang Xiang’s return to China this December. Each pin will release in limited quantities of 500. Those wanting to grab one will need to either come to the Ueno Hard Rock Cafe location or head to the official online store.

Birthday Pandas Pin

Good Luck Panda Pin-4

Xiang Xiang’s birthday is on June 12, and the giant panda recently had two adorable cubs Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei on June 23. Both pin designs also feature the Hard Rock Cafe logo.

Don’t miss out on these cute pins–they’ll sell out quickly!

The Japanese loungewear brand gelato pique has launched a new series inspired by the twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei living at Ueno Zoo! The adorable new items went on sale on May 12, 2022. 

The Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan. Located in Taito-ku, it was first opened in March 1882.

To commemorate Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei’s first birthday, gelato pique has created an incredible collection of loungewear and sundries. A portion of the proceeds will be given to the Giant Panda Conservation Support Fund to support education regarding pandas and conservation activities at the zoo.

Xiao Xiao & Lei Lei Collaboration

Roomwear Set

Panda Blanket

Panda Multi-use Cover

gelato pique Original Panda Series

Panda Hoodie & Shorts Set

Panda Print T-Shirt / Shorts / Dress

Panda Glass

Small Panda Reuseable Bag

Online Exclusives

3-piece Panda Set

gelato pique Sleep

3-piece Panda Print Bed Set (Single) / Pillow Case with Panda Ears / Panda Nightcap / Panda Rug

The Panda Series celebrates both the cute twin pandas at Ueno Zoo and all other pandas around the world. Still an endangered species, gelato pique wants to help these big animals however they can. The new collection’s theme is “happy time at home.”

Panda lovers shouldn’t miss grabbing something cozy from this new collection!

Gelato Pique Cafe is now selling panda-inspired sweets for a limited time! The Hello! PANDA promotion will be going on until June 23, 2022.

Menu

Panda Crepe

Panda Gelato

Panda Float

Merchandise

Panda Glass

*Limited quantities available. Available while supplies last.

The limited-time menu includes a Panda Crepe made with Royal Bourbon gelato, Panda Gelato with cookies crumbles for the eyes and around the neck, and a Panda Float made with the cafe’s original blend of Guatemalan coffee and Royal Bourbon gelato.

In addition, the popular panda glasses, which sold out immediately last year, have been redesigned and are now available in limited quantities. You can grab one at Gelato Pique Cafe locations nationwide and online.

Adventure World, located in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, has opened its 2022 Spring Festival until April 10, 2022. The event includes a limited-time picnic menu inspired by adorable animals, with desserts made using fresh local fruits. 

Picnic Offerings

Kannonyama Fruits Garden Collaboration Menu

Adventure World Original Menu

The Tokyo Handicrafts Craft Fair Exhibition at Matsuzakaya Ueno will be running from March 23 until March 28, and guests will be able to pick up some incredible glassware at the event. Glasslab will be selling Edo cut glass with panda designs in three different colors. These will also be available online. 

Panda Cut Glass Special Edition – Bamboo Version (Light Pink x Green)

Before Adding Alcohol

After Adding Alcohol

Panda Cut Glass – Lapis Lazuli Version (Light Blue x Lapis Lazuli)
　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Before Adding Alcohol

After Adding Alcohol

Panda Cut Glass – Yellow Version (Yellow x Bronze-red)
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Before Adding Alcohol

After Adding Alcohol

Edo-Kiriko gets its name due to it originating in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Every detail is cut into the glass by hand to create stunning designs. The way the glass sparkles changes depending on the light, which is a sight to behold. In the latter part of the Edo period, the cut-glass method of engraving designs onto the surface of the glass was brought over to Nagasaki from the Netherlands, and kiriko was born as a result of trying to mimic those techniques. Shiina Yasutane is a third-generation craftsman specializing in ‘sandblasting, who can reliably draw lines as fine as 0.09 mm wide.

The Kinokuni Wakayama Culture Festival 2021 in Shibuya, produced by Channel 47 and sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, was held at Shibuya CAST on October 3, 2021. 

The event was held to spread the word about the Kinokuni Wakayama Culture Festival 2021, the largest cultural festival in Japan, being held in Wakayama City from October 31 to November 21. Channel 47, the producer of the event in Tokyo, is a company using the power of pop culture and entertainment to share local Japanese culture with the world. 

Shibuya CAST, located between the popular neighborhoods of Shibuya and Harajuku, was the perfect location for the event, and visitors enjoyed a number of presentations showing off the best parts of Wakayama. Various goods from the southern prefecture were on sale, and celebrity guests and local figures were in attendance. An original Wakayama Panda Mask Cover, produced by ASOBISYSTEM, was given to over 3,000 guests to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Click below for a video of the event highlighting the venue and talks. 

A Market Highlighting Wakayama’s Cuisine

Booths in the plaza of Shibuya CAST were set up, each selling some local goods from the heart of Wakayama, including oranges, dried plums, sake, and shochu. 

Cultural Figures, Models, and Celebrities in Attendance

On a special stage erected on the grand staircase of the venue, a series of talks were held by cultural figures, models, and celebrities, including author Alex Kerr, TV personality Martin, and members of the popular girl group Atarashii Gakko!!

The guests chatted about a number of topics, from sharing what they love about Wakayama prefecture to discussing the tourism issues faced by local governments. A particularly interesting talk discussed how Wakayama intends to attract Gen Z tourists. These discussions were live-streamed on Instagram, with about 1,000 viewers outside the venue tuning in. 

▼Program

Part 1 [Why Come to Wakayama? PR Showcase]

Presenters: Saki Hontani (Model / Special Influencer for Kinokuni Wakayama Culture Festival 2021), Owarai Sumitani (Wakayama-born Comedy Duo), Kii-chan (Wakayama Mascot)

Part 2 [How Local Towns Should Approach Tourism ~How to Blend Tourism, Shibuya, and Entertainment~]

Presenters: Alex Kerr (Writer), Hiroyo Koike (Secretary-General, Shibuya City Tourism Association), Geiko Motoyasu (Director of Industry, Tourism, and Culture, Shibuya City)

Part 3 [Gen Z from Harajuku and Shibuya Discuss Wakayama Ver.1]

Presenters: Yume Kawabata (Model), Mitsuki Hasegawa (Model), MIOCHIN (Model), Saki Hontani (Model / Special Influencer for Kinokuni Wakayama Culture Festival 2021)

Part 4 [Gen Z from Harajuku and Shibuya Discuss Wakayama Ver.2]

Presenters: Atarashii Gakko!! (Music Group), Alex Kerr (Writer), Martin (TV personality), Yuutarou (Model)

Wakayama Panda Mask Cover, Produced by ASOBISYSTEM and Distributed to Guests

An original Wakayama Panda Mask Cover, produced by ASOBISYSTEM, was given to over 3,000 guests. Talent agency ASOBISYSTEM aims to promote Japanese pop culture worldwide and represents a number of popular artists, models, and creators, including Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and AMIAYA. With two available designs, TV personality Martin tweeted out images of the adorable creations. (https://twitter.com/martin_0406/status/1444163519696424963)

PR for on Giant Screens in Shibuya

The Kinokuni Wakayama Culture Festival 2021 in Shibuya was widely publicized around Shibuya on massive television screens. 

Adventure World, a zoo and theme park in Shirahama, Wakayama prefecture, is teaming up with the Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel to celebrate the first birthday of baby panda Fuhin. This room plan will only be available from November 1, 2021, until March 31, 2022, and will include a fully themed room, an original mini-photo book of the panda’s growth to date, and plenty of other Fuhin amenities and goods!

Fuhin 1st Anniversary Room

Collaboration Burger ‘Marriott Panda Burger’ 

The Fuhin 1st Anniversary Room is a mixed Japanese-Western style room with an ocean view. The walls, blankets, and tatami are all covered in panda imagery, while portions of the room’s lighting are made from bamboo as a part of Adventure World’s quest to create more sustainable products. The special ‘COCOAR’ app will also allow guests to enjoy a moving photo frame featuring Guhin by holding their smartphone over the word ‘Fuhin’ on the wall. 

The limited-time Marriott Panda Burger uses the same recipe as the normal burger, but with a panda-shaped bun created along with Adventure World staff. How would you like to come and celebrate Fuhin’s birthday beside the sea? 

Your Favorite Panda Instagram Campaign

By taking a picture of one of the seven giant pandas at Adventure World (Eimei, Rauhin, Ouhin, Touhin, Yuhin, Saihin, Fuuhin) and posting it to Instagram with the two campaign hashtags (#推しパンダマリオット and #InsertFavoritePandasNameHere), 20 winners will be selected to receive special Adventure World goods!

Ginza-based Katanukiya, a store that specializes in shaped Baum, will be opening a limited-time shop in Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin between October 1 and October 31. The store will stock both the ‘Panda Series’ and panda sable. 

Kumamoto Panda Baum: ¥594 (Tax Incl.)

Kumamon Shaped Katanuki Baum: ¥540 (Tax Incl.)

Ghost Panda Baum: ¥540 (Tax Incl.)

Panda Baum: ¥540 (Tax Incl.)

Amabie Baum: ¥540 (Tax Incl.)

The new ‘Kumamoto Panda Baum’ will be debuting at the Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin store, along with the ‘Kumamon Shape Katanuki Baum.’ A new baum featuring the Amabie, a creature which is said to have appeared in Kumamoto during the Edo period and represents a bright, hopeful future, will also be available. Why not enjoy some cute character Baum this Autumn?

American music-themed restaurant Hard Rock Cafe has locations across Japan, and the Ueno location is now selling some very cute black-and-white goods. At the nearby Ueno Zoo, the oldest in Japan, two giant pandas were recently born, and that’s cause for celebration! Limited quantities of these goods will be on sale at the physical location and online starting September 18, 2021!

Twin Pandas Pin #1

Twin Pandas Pin #2 (Only available at Online Shop.) 

These two original pins depicting the two newly-born pandas with the Hard Rock’s signature guitar are available in gold (online only) and silver. 

Panda T-shirt

Grab one of these before they sell out–they’re going quick! This cute original design will look perfect as you walk through the zoo gates, ready to show your love for pandas and rock music. 

Guests presenting an Ueno Zoo ticket stub or annual pass at the Ueno Hard Rock Cafe location will receive 10% off. (Full details available on the Hard Rock Cafe website.)

Congrats to the happy family!

A selection of healing monotone panda sweets will be available at the Gelato Pique Café between September 6 and September 25. The collection is titled “everyday PANDA! ~Sweets Time with Pandas~.”

Menu

Panda Crepe

Panda Gelato

Panda Float

Goods

Gelato Pique Café Original Panda Glass/Mug
Available from September 6

Gelato Pique Panda Motif Eco Bag / Panda Motif Hand Towel
Online reservations open September 2, available instore from September 8

In 2021, the Gelato Pique Café announced two rounds of animal themed sweets, proving hugely popular on social media. For Easter they released “Bunny Sweets” with rabbit ears motifs, while a series of “Polar Bear Sweets” was released during the Summer. Now, a selection of “Panda Sweets” is the latest to join the animal collection. 

The chocolate and banana Panda Crepe is filled with a healing ganache and banana,  while the Panda Gelato has cocoa biscuits studded around the pandas neck, along with rounded eyes and ears. The “healing monotone” Panda Float combines the Gelato Pique Café’s original Guatemalan coffee blend with Royal Blue Bourbon.

Along with this “everyday PANDA!” Fair, we have a large lineup of panda goods that will make you happy just by having them.  Goods that are perfect for presents, souvenirs, and rewards for yourself can be purchased at each gelato pique cafe store and EC site, so please look forward to that too!

There is a huge lineup of panda goods that will brighten your day releasing alongside the “everyday PANDA” fair, which make perfect gifts for friends – or yourself! You can view the goods lineup in store and on the Gelato Pique website.