Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2013

If you’d like to experience true and authentic forms of Japanese art and culture this autumn, the Tokyo Traditional Arts Program, part of the Tokyo Culture Creation Project organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, is presenting two major events for the season. One showcases the variety and depth of Japan’s time-honored wind instruments accompanied by contemporary dancers, while the other focuses on the Japanese tea ceremony.

The program is designed to present both traditional and modern forms of Japanese performing arts and culture to those who may not normally get a chance to experience them. Handed down through generations, traditional Japanese arts and culture have been based on a reverence for nature and a belief in harmony between people and the natural world.

Event 1: Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2013

Discover the traditional customs of the Japanese tea ceremony! The Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony is designed to provide an opportunity for all citizens of Tokyo as well as tourists visiting the area from abroad and other parts of Japan to learn more about traditional Japanese tea culture. This large scale event will introduce the art, aesthetic and subtle beauty of sado that underlies the landscape, the tools and the spirit of hospitality towards guests that make up this venerable tradition.

• Sep 28-29, 10am-5pm. Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum in Koganei Park. 3-7-1 Sakuracho, Koganei, Tokyo.
• Oct 12-13, 9:30am-4:30pm. Hamarikyu Gardens. 1-1, Hamarikyu-teien, Chuo-ku, Tokyo.
  http://tokyo-grand-tea-ceremony2013.jp

Event 2: Breath of Sound: Traditional Japanese Wind Instruments & Contemporary Dance

Enjoy the natural music of ryuteki, nahkan, shakuhachi and shinobue flutes performed in collaboration with top modern dancers. A wide range of wind instruments and music are associated with the Japanese imperial court—including ancient gagaku and modern age kabuki. This special evening, presented in two parts, will let you discover and enjoy the various colors, tones and sounds of these ancient instruments. Part One of the program showcases the nuances of sound produced by the breath, while Part Two will be an exciting collaboration of with these traditional instruments and top contemporary dancers, including Kaori Kagaya, Motoko Hirayama and Kaiji Moriyama.

• Sat Oct 5, 6:30pm. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Main Hall. 5-45 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo.
  www.dento-wa.jp/en