Shizuoka University Orchestra & Collegio Einaudi Ensemble – string orchestra
The Shizuoka University Orchestra was founded in 1962 and this year it celebrates its 100th concert. In addition to regular concerts held twice a year, they are mainly engaged in university opening and graduation ceremonies, and in performances at children caring centres. During the Japan Week they will perform in collaboration with the Collegio Einaudi Ensemble from Torino. They want to overcome the language barrier with music.
Iroha Soprano Duo – opera singing
The soprano duo singers are both graduated from the Tokyo University of Arts. They sing Japanese songs as well as international folk songs. They won the highest ranking in the 20th “Great Wall Cup” international music competition. They would like to convey the splendour of Japanese children’s songs all over the world. During the Japan Week they will sing for everybody, overcoming the language barriers.
REiKO & NAOMi – piano and flute
The duo started performing in Bahrain. During their concerts, they showed the beautiful Japanese melodies to the local people and to those living away from their hometown. After returning to Japan and playing separately, they started to play together again to take part in the Japan Week.
Hiroshi: yesterday, today, tomorrow – guitar and singing
Hiroshi plays the guitar in traditional Japanese inns in Toogatta, in the Miyagi Prefecture of the Tohoku area. He also sings at local elderly centres and welfare facilities. His repertoire includes many old and folk songs (yesterday) but also new folk and animation songs (today). His aim is to build a bridge between Italy and Japan, looking ahead to the future (tomorrow), by introducing Italian and Japanese songs familiar to him.
Kamui Samurai Artists – samurai show
Samurai artists group formed in 1998, continuing to promote the samurai Japanese culture and art worldwide. They perform mainly in Europe but also in the USA, Asia, Middle East and South America. Their leader, Mr Tetsuro Shimaguchi, choreographed and played a role in the movie Kill Bill vol.1. In 2012, they established their own dojo, and they are developing dojos in Japan, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and others.