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.

English VTuber group NIJISANJI EN will appear in a collection of spring goods! The Sakura Bloom Goods & Voice 2022 lineup will be available to purchase at the NIJISANJI EN Official Store on April 22 and at the NIJISANJI Official Store on April 27, 2022.

This collection will see the first items inspired by the male VTuber unit Noctyx. In addition, fans can grab goods featuring new illustrations featuring members of Luxiem and Elira Pendora, Selen Tatsuki, and Nina Kosaka.

Sakura Bloom Goods 2022

Clear Folder (Set of 3)

Acrylic Keychain

Pin (Random)

Sakura Bloom Voice 2022

The new lineup includes a clear file set, acrylic keychains, and pins, all completely made to order. 

For Sakura Bloom Voice 2022, 19 NIJISANJI members will participate to bring fans a relaxed spring chat, making it feel as if you were out enjoying the weather with some of your favorite VTubers. Each voice product also includes a special smartphone wallpaper!

Sakura Bloom Voice 2022 Participants

Pomu Rainpuff, Elira Pendora, Finana Ryugu, Selen Tatsuki, Rosemi Lovelock, Petra Gurin, Reimu Endou, Nina Kosaka, Enna Alouette, Ike Eveland, Luca Kaneshiro, Mysta Rias, Shu Yamino, Vox Akuma, Yugo Asuma, Sonny Brisko, Fulgur Ovid, Alban Knox, Uki Violeta

*Sakura Bloom Voice 2022 may be made available again in the future.

Hibiya Hayashiya Shinbei in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is now offering a scrumptious Strawberry Matcha Parfait until April 24, 2022! If that’s not up your alley, four Kyo Hayashiya locations in Shinjuku, Omiya, Yokohama, and Ikebukuro will begin offering a Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait from April 1 until May 8, 2022. 

Strawberry Matcha Parfait

The Strawberry Matcha Parfait is an eye-catching mix of green and pink, reminiscent of cherry blossoms and bright green grass. Green tea blends with rose jelly and lychee sorbet, offering a refreshing taste with a hint of bitterness. The sweet accent of crunchy chocolate feuillantine gives each bite a little kick.

Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait

The Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait mixes the deep, bitter taste of Uji matcha, the sweet and sour taste of berries, and the gentle sweetness of mascarpone cream. The berry sauce is blended with crunchy chocolate feuillantine, a layer of whipped cream, green tea jelly, green tea ice cream, and milk panna cotta. To finish, it’s garnished with refreshing raspberry sorbet, bittersweet matcha ice cream, and fresh strawberries.

From March 16 until April 20, Maison Marunouchi at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Marunouchi will offer a special spring-only cherry blossom afternoon tea set!

The restaurant’s head chef, Daniel Calvert, is also the executive chef of the French restaurant Sezanne, which was listed in the Michelin Guide last year. Starting in mid-March, visitors can enjoy a variety of cherry blossom-themed sweets created by executive pastry chef Elwin Boyles.

Covered in bright marzipan, the Princess cake was created by Boyles by combining the image of a princess cake, a Swedish cake traditionally eaten on special occasions, and the image of cherry blossoms, which symbolize the coming of spring and new beginnings.

The Pink Gateau Opera combines the image of cherry blossoms with green tea buttercream and almond cream. The Sakura Choux Bombe combines the sweetness of cherry cream and sour lime juice, while the Preserved Sakura Macaron will serve as the perfect Instagram photo. 

Cafe and gift shop Disney Harvest Market in Shibuya, Tokyo, has introduced a limited-time spring menu featuring Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck! With the theme of ‘Hello, Spring,’ the tasty and fresh new items were added on March 8, 2022.

Menu

Spring in Full Bloom! Afternoon Tea Set

Colorful Temari & Bite-sized Sushi Plate

Pinkish Strawberry Amazake Float (Non-alcoholic) / Floral Lilac Honey Lemonade

Merchandise

Original Minnie Mouse & Daisy Duck Mug

Spring Limited-edition Colored Paper

With themed dishes colored pink and purple, guests can enjoy sushi rolls, oatmeal pancakes with green tea bean paste, cherry blossom-colored yogurt, and more! Afternoon tea sets and non-alcoholic drinks will allow everyone to welcome spring in style, and new merchandise will also be available in limited quantities. 

Tohouen, a Japanese confectionary maker in Gifu Prefecture, has begun selling a springtime version of its popular cat-inspired manju. Inspired by the many cats that like to stroll around the shop’s headquarters, the new release includes cherry blossom-colored cat paws. 

A traditional sweet in Japan, Manju is made from flour, rice powder, and buckwheat, with a tasty sugar and anko (red bean paste) filling.

Do you think these are too cute to eat? 

On February 25, TAVOLA TAVOLA by ZILLION opened at Hotel InterContinental Tokyo Bay. The restaurant offers courses featuring seasonal ingredients while each round table is decorated to suit a certain theme.

‘Tavola’ means ‘table’ in Italian, with the restaurant’s concept being to enjoy Italian cuisine with friends around a large round table. Three entertainment options will be available to create the best possible memories for guests.

Large Round Table Decorated with Cherry Blossoms

Dinner Course

Hors d’oeuvres

Pasta

Fish Main Course

Risotto

The first theme is ‘cherry blossoms,’ which is fitting for the soon-to-be spring season. Artful flowers are arranged in the center of each table to set the scene, and guests will enjoy a blend of authentic Italian cuisine and Japanese style. The main course features grilled Spanish mackerel and a cherry blossom-colored cream sauce, as well as an Italian veal filet and prosciutto. At the end of the meal, guests will enjoy a risotto made with seasonal strawberries and a cherry and berry ice cake!

To celebrate the arrival of spring, Q-pot Cafe is introducing a cherry blossom-themed menu for a limited time!

Cherry Blossom Romantic Dress Cake  Plate with Drink: ¥2,100 (Tax Included)

Enjoy this pink cherry blossom mousse and pure white whipped cream to celebrate the end of the gloomy winter season.

Rich pistachio mousse, strawberry pulp, fragrant almonds, and fluffy genoise come together in a scrumptious melt-in-your-mouth explosion of flavor.

Romantic Berry Blossom Tea: ¥850 (Tax Included) / Set Menu +¥200 (Tax Included)

A play on Q-pot Cafe’s popular Flower Garden tea, the Berry Blossom Tea has a rich cherry blossom aroma with raspberries and milk added. 

Romantic Berry Blossom Tea with Bottle: ¥1,296 (Tax Included)

Take-out drinks in patterned bottles are also available! By bringing the bottle with you, the Berry Blossom Tea will be discounted to ¥750 (tax included). 

Hoshino Resorts OMO7 Asahikawa has announced a new ‘Animal Sauna,’ inviting guests to spend time with cute animals to heal the body and soul. The sauna will be open from March 1 to May 31, 2022. 

Fans of Gashapon capsule toys know that animal sauna figures are popular among sauna enthusiasts. These figures are only about four centimeters big, but during this sauna event, they will be life-sized and placed within the sauna space! These massive figures were made with the help of Bandai. 

Sauna hats protect guests’ heads and hair from the heat, and sauna ponchos prevent guests from getting too cold after emerging from the space. Now, these hats feature cute animal ears, and the sauna mats are covered in animal prints as well. These will also be available to rent or buy! 

The lounge space will also be transformed, and a drink bar with animal-themed glasses will help guests to rehydrate after time in the sauna. Yes, the lounge space also features life-sized animals, perfect for nature lovers. 

Gashapon figures will be available to purchase on the first floor, so be sure to grab one as a souvenir! 

ⒸBANDAI

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!