Aoniyoshi Music Competition Nara Kasuga Taisha Shrine dedication concert

Aoniyoshi Music Competition Nara Kasuga Taisha Shrine Dedication Concert
Winner of the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition, Ms. Yayoi Toda
(Artistic Director of Ikaruga Music Festival and Chairperson of the Jury of AONYOSHI Music Competition Nara, Stringed Instrument Section)

Nara's Pillow Word "Aoniyoshi
Aoniyoshi, like the smelling flower that blooms in the capital of Nara, it is now in full bloom.

This poem from the Manyoshu (Anthology of Myriad Leaves), composed in Dazaifu during the Nara period (710-794) in memory of Nara, Nara's hometown, still resonates in the hearts of those of us living today.
Classical music entered Japan about 150 years ago during the Meiji Era. Classical music has the power to connect people around the world, transcending all boundaries and harmonizing all things in the universe. Culture has been passed down through the ages. Culture enriches people's hearts and gives color and brilliance to our irreplaceable lives. It is very meaningful that Nara, the hometown of culture, transmits its music culture to the whole country and the world, that wonderful performers spread their wings from Nara, and that people's lives are brightened and their circle of friends is expanded through music.
Kasuga-taisha Shrine, a World Heritage Site, is a representative shrine of Nara, built in 768 during the Nara Period for the protection of Heijo-kyo Capital and for the prosperity of Japan and the happiness of its people. Faith is passed down in the primeval forests of Mount Kasuga, a blessing of nature in the universe. At Kasuga Taisha, Japanese traditions, technology, and beauty have been passed down through the ages for 1,300 years.
Proud to be Japanese, we will hold a dedication concert at Kasuga-taisha Shrine to pray for world peace and happiness, the inheritance and development of culture, and the circle of friendship among mankind.