YATTOKAME FESTIVAL
a chance to encounter a never-before-seen Nagoya
Kyogen and a variety of other art forms thrilled the hearts of Nagoya's residents,
and this enjoyment was carried down through day-to-day life as traditional culture.
Meanwhile, in out-of-the-way corners of the city,
long-forgotten stories of yore...and when we carefully retrace the maps with fresh eyes,
everywhere we go, we arrive at history and traditions with ties to today.
Wander about, and you're sure to encounter the fair visage of Nagoya, a city of culture.
Let us be astonished at the expressions that appear, laugh deeply,
and recount together the heretofore unglimpsed views of Nagoya.
The entire city is the stage for celebration of "A Place of Art, a Place of Journeys – Nagoya."
It awaits you again at this year's Yattokame Festival.
Inquiries: info@yattokame.jp
Much of Japan’s performing arts emerged from the bustling streets from which the performers formed a cultural community. The modern day streets still maintain that culture, and this is where this project was born. The performances in this project re-ignite the traditions!
The art of Noh was patronized by the ruling samurai caste, and admired by the townsfolk. Without seeing it, you cannot fully appreciate its traditional role or craft, nor can you understand the roots of this city. The world of Noh is a world beyond your wildest dreams, a world that lives on, in Nagoya City.
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.
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.
Some contents will be available for a limited time.
Urban Performances
Everyone will laugh out loud
1. Tsuji Kyogen (Traditional Street Comedy Skits) ~Big Laughs in a Big City~
Online Event
The comedy performing art of Kyogen originated in Nagoya with the formation of the Izumi Ryu performance troupe. It remains Japan's 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.
| When | Program | Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, 24 October | Busshi | Toshihiro Kashima, others |
| Sun, 1 November | Hikuzu | Tomohiko Sato, others |
| Sun, 15 November | Chatsubo | Inoue Matsujiro, others |
Urban Performances
Remote but from the heart of the city
2. The robbery of Nagoya Castle's Kinshachi — The Story of Goemon the III —
Online Event
Based on a famous drama about Ishikawa Goemon, a robber that tried to steal the golden Shachihoko of Nagoya Castle but failed, and was sentenced to death by boiling. The story centers on his grandson, Ishikawa Goemon the III, who was aiming to do the same as his grandfather, but with success. During the story a female thief will try to outsmart Goemon, and a eccentric samurai will try to catch him.
| When | Sat, 24 October｜Episode 1 Sun, 1 November｜Episode 2 Sun, 15 November｜Episode 3 |
|---|---|
| Script and Direction | Kazumasa Nishikawa (Head of Nishikawa School of Nihon Buyō) |
| Performers | Sōken Kudō (Head of Kudō School of Nihon Buyō), Mizume Ito, Reisho Mase, Tejima masao(RE-act), Special Appearance Nagoya-za |
| Music | Tsutomu Tanaka |
Urban Performances
Discover the Japanese culture with Kōdan, the traditional art of storytelling.
3. Kōdan Traditional Oral Japanese Storytelling and Traditional Folk Songs
Kyokudo Rinrin
Online Event
In this traditional storytelling, the speaker recounts the tale in a rhythmical way while striking the table with a folding fan. Raconteur Kyokudo Rinrin will regale you with stories about Nagoya. Be ready for surprises.
| When | Sat, 24 October |
|---|---|
| Performers | Kyokudo Rinrin |
Urban Performances
The roots of the traditional Manzai Comedy reside here, in the ancient Owari Province.
*Owari Province: Western half of Aichi Prefecture, including Nagoya
4. Owari Manzai
Online Event
"Owari Manzai" is a traditional performance based on comical songs that appeared during the Edo Period (1603 - 1868). It is performed during the New Year and some special events. This year the topic of the performance will focus on the COVID-19.
| When | Sat, 24 October |
|---|---|
| Performers | Society for the Conservation of the Owari Manzai |
Urban Performances
Listen to timeless traditional songs.
5. Seichō Nagoya Jinku・Atsuta Kōbe-Bushi
Masako Hanabusa
Komasa Hanabusa
Online Event
Ha-uta and ko-uta ‒ popular songs from the feudal Edo period and the turn-of-the-twentieth-century Meiji period, as well as timeless hits enjoyed even now. Enjoy a big selection of elegant and stylish songs evoking the spirit of Japan and the spirit of love, together with lively orthodox Nagoya jinku songs from right here in Owari Nagoya that have been sung since the early 1800s with shamisen accompaniment.
| When | Sun, 1 November |
|---|---|
| Performers | Ha-uta: Hanabusa-ryu Hana-no-Kai, head Masako Hanabusa, head Komasa Hanabusa, others |
Urban Performances
A purely instrumental music that will transport you towards spirituality.
6. Sōkyoku - Koto Music
Online Event
Enjoy the sound of the Sōkyoku music with the performance called “Study of Love and Prayer”. Open your heart and let yourself go by the sound of the Koto.
| When | Sun, 15 November |
|---|---|
| Performers | Musicians from Sōkyoku Seigen-sha School, Yuko Nomura, Hiromi Takeuchi, Ako Sano Repertoire: "Ave Maria", "My Dad", "Hallelujah", "Yukitsubaki", "Amazing Grace", "Song of Delight" |
Urban Performances
pend a great time at a traditional Japanese restaurant
7. Traditional Japanese Dining with Parlor Games and Shows
Meigiren Kumiai
Enjoy elegant traditional Geisha entertainment while relishing a delicious seasonal Kaiseki dinner, a sophisticated Japanese haute dining.
You will be able to spend a delightful time watching Maiko and Geisha dance performances up close. You will also have the opportunity to chat and play a variety of traditional Japanese games with these amazing artists.
This year Ozashiki Asobi will be performed in english especially for english speakers to fully enjoy this unique experience.
*The price includes the food charge, taxes, and service charges. Beverages can be paid for in cash on the day of the event.
*Doors open 30 minutes before the scheduled start. Be aware that no admissions are allowed until then.
*Befome coming to any event, please be sure to check the precautions regarding preventive measures against the spread of new coronavirus infection.
P code：645-728
During the Ozashiki Asobi, Geisha will introduce the parlor games in easy understanding english.
| When | Sun, 25 October from6:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Where | Kamome(4-85 Shirakabe, Higashi-ku) |
| Performers | Meigiren Kumiai (premier Nagoya geisha federation), Princess Samurai Of Japan — Madam Odai (Odai No Kata) — |
| Price | ¥14,000 |
| Max People | 30 |
Urban Performances
Get to know the famous "Kin no Shachihoko" pose.
8. Online Shachihoko Challenge
The Sachihoko dance, originated from Nihon Buyo, is a classical Japanese dance. This dance is a trademark of Meigiren, the Nagoya Geisha Association, and It is a required skill for all Maikos and Geishas of this area. Challenge yourself and participate this year on the Online Shachihoko Challenge! To participate in this unique challenge you just need to follow the rules below.
| Teacher | Kazumasa Nishikawa (Head of Nishikawa School of Nihon Buyō) |
|---|---|
| Holding Period | Sat, 24 October - thu, 10 November |
Twitter and Instagram
1.Follow Yattokame Bunkasai account
2.Write "Shachihoko Challenge" at the beginning of the post
3. And add the following hashtags to the post: #yattokamebunkasai #shachihokochallenge
Yattokameguri
Explore the Nagoya Traditional Japanese Sweets
Get off the beaten tourist track and explore Nagoya's traditional sweets (Wagashi) shops during Yattokame Bunkasai Festival.
This is a great experience for all food lovers, sweets enthusiasts and those who like to know more about Japanese tradition. Yattokame Bunkasai will provide a sweets map featuring the most traditional sweets shops around Nagoya.
*The Nagoya Wagashi map will be available at the Nagoya tourist offices in early October.
Learn about Nagoya Sweets on "Nagoya is not boring" blog post
| Holding Period | Sat, 24 October - The, 15 November |
|---|---|
| Participating shops | Aoyagi Sohonke KITTE Nagoya,Ichida, Osu Uiro Osu Main Store, Kakuozan Furoen, Kyogashi Kame Hiroyoshi, Kameya Yoshihiro Honten, Kawaguchiya, Onkashi-tsukasa Kikyo-en, Onkashi-tsukasa Kikuya, Onkashi-tsukasa Kikuya Shigetomi, Owarigashi Kitagawa, Kiyome-mochi Sohonke, Arare-no-takumi Shiraki, Suzume-odori Sohonten, Daikokuya Honten, Okashidokoro Tsukuhaneya, Nayabashi Manju Banshoan Osu Banshoji-dori Shop, Onkashi-tsukasa Furoen Masamitsu, Mannendo, Minochu, Onkashi-tsukasa Mochikan, Mochibun Sohonten & Honten, and Ryoguchiya Korekiyo Sakae Shop (total 23) |
• Recipes and prices vary according to shop.
• Collect stamps and win Yattokame Cultural Festival original goods! Here is what you need to do: Just collect the stamps you will receive when buying a wagashi from any of the shops shown on the The Nagoya Wagashi map. Send the stamps collected during the Yattokame Cultural festival by ordinary mail to the below address and you will receive a Yattokame Cultural Festival original good.
Yattokameguri
Historical Village Shidami Kofungun Autumn Exhibition
Kofun Period Asahi Ruins
The Shidami Kofungun Experience Museum (nicknamed “Shidamu”) is a preserved archaeological park with 7 Kofun, megalithic tombs built during the Kofun period (4th – 7th century AD). These tombs were built as a burial site for the imperial family so worshippers of the period could visit and pray there. During your visit to the museum, you can dress in Kofun period clothes. This activity is especially fun for families with young children. There are also Haniwa (Kofun pottery) workshops. It is easy to make your own pottery and it will be a good memento of your trip to Nagoya.
| When | Thu, 24 September - Sun, 13 December |
|---|---|
| Where | Experience the Shidami Kofungun Museum (Ōaza Kamishidamiji Sakiyama 1367, Moriyama Ward, Nagoya) |
| Contact | Experience the Shidami Kofungun Museum Tel 052-739-0520 |
Yattokameguri
Giving a new value to cultural heritage
Preservation and utilization of historic buildings from the perspective of tourism and regional development
Cultural talk hosted by Kiyoshi Ito, representative director of NIPPONIA (Historic District Revitalization Project) and Yoshikazu Koike, director of the Nagoya Gakuin University.
The talk will focus on sustainable projects making use of regional characteristics and historic buildings.
Find out more by visiting the Nagoya, UNESCO City of Design website.
| When | Sat, 17 October from 2:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Where | Online Event |
| Price | free |
| Performers | Kiyoka Ito(General Incorporated Association, NOTE , Representative Director),Yoshikazu Koike(Nagoya gakuin university, Professor) |
| Co-sponsored | Nagoya Urban Development Public Corporation UNESCO, Design City Nagoya Promotion Project Executive Committee |