The comedy performing art of Kyogen originated in Nagoya with the formation of the Izumi Ryu performance troupe. It remains Japans’ oldest remaining form of comedy performance, unchanged since the days of old. The charming characters are lovable, and deliver one great laugh after another. While Kyogen was performed in Noh theatres, Tsuji Kyogen was performed on the streets, and so returns to its roots for the Yattokame Festival.

Kagekiyosha Shrine is tucked away near Atsuta Jingu Shrine. It is dedicated to Kagekiyo, whose dreaded battle name Akushichibyoei rang out above the fray in struggles with the Heike. Celebrated through the ages in noh, kabuki, literature and other arts, Kagekiyo lives on. Now, on city streets, witness the deeds of this valiant hero!

In the daily streets, enjoy the stimulating calm of tea. At the bustling heart of the city, step out of time into a free-style tea ceremony. Nagoya, a center of the tea trade, meet the past in the present.

Kodo is the Japanese “way of fragrance.” Along with the sound of a piano, using scents managed by the Shino School of Kodo this second collaborative concert seeks to conjure memories of episodes in life: first love, heartbreak, passions... Scent and sound blend in harmony. In this concert, let a new dimension of sensibility evoke your memories.

To mark the fourth year of the Yattokame Festival, to consolidate external and internal knowledge, a platform for Nagoya studies has been established. Nagoya Omokageza is a locus to discover traces of former Nagoya, a place where they can be refashioned, thrill again, and inspire the future.

Arakokannon-ji Temple has more than 1,200 Buddha images carved by Enku. Most are small items carved from scraps of wood. Restlessly moving between coast and highlands, Enku lived on the road. In the beat, voices, and song we feel how distance becomes the present.

In historic surroundings, enjoy scrumptious meals and heartful hospitality. The convivial welcome extends to traditional parlor games, the timeless art of making fun when the liquor has flowed. At last, the Yattokame Festival makes this experience available to you.
*Seating allocated according to time of arrival.

A fragment of poetry invested with feeling. Bringing news, a melody carried on the wind... Enka was born in feudal parlor songs and grew up in the movement for freedom and universal rights. Hummed in the street, they became popular songs and even nursery rhymes. The venue is a travelers’ tavern in Nagoya. Creating an evening of song are the head of a school specializing in the singing of late feudal love songs and a pop duo from Nagoya.

During the feudal period, the influence of songs from Nagoya was undoubtedly transmitted all over Japan. Nagoya is known as a center of dexterity and craft. Through the skill of the performers become more familiar with the city.

Choboji Temple was opened by esteemed monk Muju Kokushi. The way he delivered instruction, intoning in a distinctive, rhythmic fashion, has become a time-honored mode of preaching. It is also designated a national important intangible folk culture asset.

Popular songs that people hummed on feudal streets. Imagine how, in the shadow of the castle, the streets were alive with song.

Leading exponent of the Tsugaru samisen, Tanaka Tsutomu travels the length and breadth of Japan displaying his artistry on the instrument. During his sets mystery guests will also be sitting in.

During the construction of Nagoya Castle, stones had to be hauled and wood erected: general and specific tasks had their own songs, and these have been passed down to the present time by the city of Nagoya. These are designated an important intangible folk culture asset.

The historic koto also features in the ancient formal music of the imperial court. When the strings are plucked, the warm sound resonates with your heart strings.

Enter and enjoy the brilliant world of young buyo performers.

Street-corner tricks and illusions were a town tradition. Enjoy the Nagoya speciality, Golden Shachihoko, involving the “killer whale” roof decorations of Nagoya Castle.

This traditional style attracted an audience and entertainingly held attention. Enjoy the charm of the telling of each tale.

This is the second edition of last year’s hit project. Through practice of Nihon buyo dance moves, learn elegant Japanese movement and demeanor. Wearing a kimono in Nagoya Castle, you can show off your new skills. You can also attempt a Golden Shachihoko Performance, a requisite skill for top geisha in Nagoya!

In feudal times, what sounds would you hear in the streets of Nagoya? Cherry-blossom viewing, boating, parties, festivals, and other events were always graced by music. Music was always there to make a good time better, or to ease the pain of hard times. Can you cast your mind back to the castle town? Can you hear the conversations and living breath of the residents on the street? Surely, the visitors to the town must have noticed the sound and been attracted to Nagoya. Why not take a break from life here and now? Listen carefully and you can hear the sounds of the castle town.

In the mid-1970s, min'yo folk-style singing enjoyed a boom. It was popular on TV, radio, and stages all over the country. When the popularity subsided, the style soon became outmoded and performers had a hard time: most of the min'yo troupes that had been thrown together now fell apart. Enduring that bitter experience, fascinated by the charm of the music, four talented groups in Nagoya have remained true to original min'yo and committed to keeping the tradition alive. They authentically perform min'yo from Nagano, Gifu, and Mie prefectures. In addition, enthusiastic young singers, the voices of tomorrow, along with dancers, through folk song and folk dance colorfully tell stories that reveal the character of places in Japan. For example, they express life in the Snow Country and perform Tsugaru hand dancing.

Introduction to “Nagoya Studies”
Follow the footprints of history through the city to discover secrets, stories and valuable cultural heritage. You’ll see the city in a different light having seen, heard, touched and experienced on this fascinating and enjoyable course.

I Love Nagoya Mini Tour
On 47 well-loved strolls, you can walk with a guide who loves Nagoya. Find out how the sights you see are rooted in history and culture. Feel the thrill of discovering hidden treasure. New walks added. To little-known spots, trace the steps of historic people. It’s great fun to walk through the streets and see sights that express the deep charm of Nagoya.

When you attend an event, you can get a collection booklet inked with a souvenir stamp. Collect imprints such as images, short poems, and tributes to the land. This year, people who accumulate many stamps will qualify to receive a special original festival souvenir.

This year, have a sweet time going around Nagoya’s famous Japanese confectionery shops. Sample the subtle sweetness of wagashi at a variety of shops, some in business since feudal times, some large and famous, and others more local: all are well-loved by the people of Nagoya. Food writer Yamamoto Masuhiro tells stories that underlie wagashi, confectionery that reaches back in time to present unchanged sights, textures, and flavors. People continue to love Japanese sweets made, just as they used to be made, by these expert confectioners.