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 39 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.
With the 10th anniversary of the Yattokame Cultural Festival just around the corner, we will deliver performances of Nagauta folk songs, Japanese dances, and more. Don't miss the Nagoya Street Kabuki with a special number performed by the Nagoya Yamasaburo group.
- When
- Sat, 15 October ー Sun, 16 October
- Where
- Nagoya Civic Assembly Hall front entrance stage
Nagauta is traditional music that originated during the Edo period. Enjoy performances by students majoring in Shamisen at the Nagoya College of Music, focusing on Aikata (the Shamisen-only part) from among the seasonal masterpieces.
- Time
- from 2:00 p.m.
- Performers
- Rokuharu Kineya, Meion Nagauta Shamisen Girls
- instrument cooperation
- Nagoya College of Music
Hinagiku is a group of young Nihon Buyo dancers that have been dancing since a very early age under the directions of Masako Nishikawa, one of the directors of the Nishikawa Ryu Nihon Buyo Dance School, a dance school with a history of more than 170 years.Hinagiku has performed many times during the "Nagoya Odori" and other representations around Japan. Enjoy the performance of these young girl dancers!
- Time
- from 3:00 p.m.
- Performers
- The Hinagiku and the Dance Dream
- Supervision
- Masako Nishikawa
This is a performance of Hawaiian and Okinawan folk songs left by Japanese immigrants. This is a great chance for those that are not familiar with Japanese folk songs to connect with the past in the present day.
- Time
- from 3:30 p.m.
- Performers
- Kaniebihachikai (Kanie Shiho, Kanie Reiko)
Since Nagoya is the mecca of Cosplay, a Cosplay event will be held where Cosplayers will create original characters inspired by Japanese designs and traditional makeup.
This will be a show-off performance that combines traditional culture and modern culture.
- Time
- from 4:30 p.m.
- Performers
- Recop
The Kabuki Cafe Nagoya-za, located in the Endoji shopping district, opened its doors in 2016.And since then has held performances for a new and modern Kabuki style that incorporates action drama.Performances every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
- Time
- from 5:00 p.m.
- Performers
- Nagya Sanzaburo Ichiza
- When
- Sat, 22 October from 1:00 p.m.
- Where
- Asunal Kanayama, Stage of Tomorrow
- Program
- Street Kabuki, folk songs, comical poetry, Kyogen's comical plays
- When
- Sun, 13 November from 1:00 p.m.
- Where
- Nagoya Castle, Ninomaru Square
*A separate entrance fee to Nagoya Castle is required.
*In case of rain, the event will be held at the Agals Hall of the Meijo Park Campus, Aichi Gakuin University. - Program
- Street Kabuki, Gagaku, Kyogen, Shachihoko Challenge
Urban Performances
Laughter Resonating across the City
Tsuji Kyogen Nagoya, the City of Kyogen
Kyogen is a form of comedy that began more than 600 years ago in the early Muromachi Period (1392–1573) that cheerfully depicts the daily lives of ordinary people.
Showing how people are now as before, the performances send laughter throughout the theater. Watch and enjoy what unfolds on stage and the stories that have endured through the ages!
| When Where |
Sat, 22 October from 2:20 p.m. Asunal Kanayama, Stage of Tomorrow |
|---|---|
| Sat, 29 October from 2:10 p.m. Nadia Park Northeast Entrance |
|
| Sun, 6 November from 2:10 p.m. Aeon Mall Atsuta |
|
| Sun, 13 November from 2:10 p.m. Nagoya Castle, Ninomaru Square *A separate entrance fee to Nagoya Castle is required. *In case of rain, the event will be held at the Agals Hall of the Meijo Park Campus, Aichi Gakuin University. |
|
| Performers | Matsujiro Inoue, Toshihiro Kashima, Kentaro Okutsu, Soudai Inoue , others |
Urban Performances
Stories That Have Been Passed Down in Nagoya.
Street Kabuki "Old Tales of Nagoya"
There are many folk tales in Nagoya that very few know about. It is said that the number exceeds 350 in Nagoya city alone! This year the Street Kabuki play will feature folktales in this region presented in the fun Kabuki style with music.
| When Where |
Sat, 22 October from 1:10 p.m. Asunal Kanayama, Stage of Tomorrow |
|---|---|
| Sat, 29 October from 1:00 p.m. Nadia Park Northeast Entrance |
|
| Sun, 6 November from 1:00 p.m. Aeon Mall Atsuta |
|
| Sun, 13 November from 1:00 p.m. Nagoya Castle, Ninomaru Square *A separate entrance fee to Nagoya Castle is required. *In case of rain, the event will be held at the Agals Hall of the Meijo Park Campus, Aichi Gakuin University. |
|
| Script and Direction | Kazumasa Nishikawa (Head of Nishikawa School of Nihon Buyō) |
| Performers | Kurakagi Kudō (Head of Kudō School of Nihon Buyō), Tokiwazu Tsunaho, Recop, others |
| Music | TokiwazuTsunaren (Tokiwazu Tsunaho, Tokiwazu Tsunami, Tokiwazu Tsunachika） |
Urban Performances
Spend a great time at a traditional Japanese restaurant
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.
*Before coming to any event, please be sure to check the precautions regarding preventive measures against the spread of new coronavirus infection.
| When | Thu, 3 November from 5:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Where | Kamome(4-85 Shirakabe, Higashi-ku) |
| Performers | Meigiren Kumiai (Suzume, Momotaro, Kotomi), Princess Samurai Of Japan — Madam Odai (Odai No Kata) — |
| Price | ¥14,000 |
| Max People | 40 |
Urban Performances
Tribute to Sen No Rikyu
The City's "Cha no Yu" Tea Ceremony Revolution
This year marks the 500th anniversary of Sen no Rikyu's birth, the father of the "Way of Tea". Rikyu's vision was characterized by breaking the existing concepts and revolutionizing the sensibilities of the tea ceremony. This year's Yattokame Cultural Festival will bring back Rikyu's revolutionary mindset, cast aside the rules and hold a free-spirited tea ceremony that even beginners can participate in.
| When |
Sun, 13 November ① from 0:00 p.m. ② from 1:00 p.m. ③ from 2:00 p.m. ④ from 3:00 p.m. ※ ⑤ from 4:00 p.m. ⑥ from 5:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Where | Nadia Park Atrium |
| Price | ￥1,000 |
| Max People | 15 people per session |
| Host | Yattokame Cultural Festival "Cha no Yu" Tea Ceremony Group |
Urban Performances
Traditional Songs That Have Been Passed Down through Generations.
Nagoya Jinku, Atsuta Kobe-Bushi and Dodoitsu
Nagoya's traditional songs such as "Seicho Nagoya Jinku", "Atsuta Kobe Bushi", "Dodoitsu" and "Hauta". All are popular songs from the Edo period that are accompanied by Shamisen music. "Seicho Nagoya Jinku" is one of the many Jinku songs strongly connected to the history and culture of the ancient Owari region. "Atsuta Kobe Bushi" is a popular song that originated in the Atsuta area of Nagoya. It is a song that tells of love and works in a comical way, and it has a characteristic structure of 7-7-7-5 and no rhyme for a total of 26 words, making it one of the longer Japanese forms.
| When | Sat, 22 October from 1:50 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Where | Asunal Kanayama, Stage of Tomorrow |
| Performers | Masako Hanabusa, Komasa Hanabusa, Hauta Hanabusa Ryuka Insiders |
Urban Performances
New Japanese Music That Soars Through the Reiwa Era.
Tsugaru Shamisen
"刃 -JIN-" is a music band that creates a new style of music by mixing Japanese and Western instruments. "刃 -JIN-" plays a wide range of music genres, from traditional songs to popular songs and also their own original ones, too. Their music has received high praise from all over the world.
| When | Sat, 29 October from 1:40 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Where | Nadia Park Northeast Entrance |
| Performers | Japanese and Western instrumental concert. "刃 -JIN-" (Tsugaru Shamisen: Daisuke Sugiyama, keyboard: Kazuki Kondo) |
Urban Performances
A Moment Filled with Japanese Music.
Koto music
Famous for the "Haru no Umi" song, Michio Miyagi composed another three gems called "Sarashi Kaze Tegoto", "Kyo no Yorokobi", and "Seoto". The two members of the Ikuta school of Koto music Miyagi School will deliver the worldview and charm of Koto music, including the sound of the bass instrument "17 strings" devised by Michio Miyagi.
| When | Sun, 6 November from 1:40 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Where | Aeon Mall Atsuta |
| Performers | Chihaya Tanizawa, Tomoko Okubo |
Urban Performances
Enjoy the dances and sounds from 1300 years ago.
Gagaku
Gagaku, a traditional performing art with the longest history in Japan, will be performed by Shuinkai, a local Gagaku group that performs on many stages around Nagoya.
The piece that will be performed is called "Sanshu" known as a classic masterpiece of Bumai (Bunomai), a valiant dance performed with a sword or a pike. "Sanshu" is a very difficult dance that needs high dance skills and technique.
| When | Sun, 13 November from 1:40 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Where | Nagoya Castle, Ninomaru Square *A separate entrance fee to Nagoya Castle is required. *In case of rain, the event will be held at the Agals Hall of the Meijo Park Campus, Aichi Gakuin University. |
| Performers | Shuinkai |
Urban Performances
Posing like the golden Shachihoko
The Shachihoko Pose Challenge
The Sachihoko dance originated from Nihon Buyo, which is a classical Japanese dance. This dance is a trademark of Meigiren, the Nagoya Geishas, and it is a required skill for all Maiko and Geisha of this area.
You will first learn how to do the Shachihoko pose and then have a couple of days of practice. And on the final day, you will have the opportunity to perform dressed in a beautiful Kimono on a stage at Nagoya Castle.
Challenge yourself and join the fun!
| Teacher | Kazumasa Nishikawa (Head of Nishikawa School of Nihon Buyō) |
|---|---|
| Special cooperation from | National Costume Culture Promotion Association and Kimono Gokko Yunta |
| Participation fee | ￥4,000 (including the lessons, the Kimono rental, and the Kimono dressing) *Please bring your own Zori sandals. (For those who don't have Zori you can rent a pair for 500 yen. Please ask in advance) *The Kimono rental is limited to women. Men should bring their own kimono. |
| Application | To participate in this activity, please apply through the application form on the Yattokame Cultural Festival's official website. *Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications may close before the deadline in the event of a large number of applicants. |
| Application deadline | Fri, 30 September |
| When | ① Wed, 19 October from 7:00 p.m. ② Fri, 21 October from 7:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Where | Youth Culture Center (Artpia. Inside Loft), Studio 1 *Attendance of at least one of the practice classes is required. *You will need to bring a Tenugui towel and a hand towel to the practicing lessons. |
| When | Sun, 13 November from 3:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Where | Nagoya Castle, Ninomaru Square *A separate entrance fee to Nagoya Castle is required. *In case of rain, the event will be held at the Agals Hall of the Meijo Park Campus, Aichi Gakuin University. |
Urban Performances
It is said that in the city there is a waterfall that frees you from the bondage of time.
Special Performance "The Eternal Waterfall"
A quiet landscape is woven by lights and shadows.
In the sound of flowing water, the figure of a person in love appears.
An unceasing flow. Facts and truths come together to represent the present.
A traveler who continues to sway to and fro endlessly through time.
A waterfall of light appears in the city.
Piano, violin, contemporary dances, and theater describe the moment.
An eloquent story unfolds in a world without words.
| When | Wed, 2 November from 7:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Where | Nadia Park southeast Entrance |
| Direction | Kazumasa Nishikawa (Head of Nishikawa School of Nihon Buyō) |
| Performers | Sugitetsu (Tetsuro Sugiura, Teppei Okada), Kae Kurachi, Midume Ito |
| Projection mapping | Naoko Ukibe |
Stage Performances
Uncovering the Origin of Performing Art since Sen No Rikyu
Noh "Tadanori" and Kyogen "Ido Chawan"
The diverse performing arts that flourished under the Owari Tokugawa family during the Edo period have been passed down through the time and lifestyles of the people of this region as a culture that is closely related to this present moment.
| When | Thu, 3 November from 2:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Where | Nagoya Noh Theater |
| Price | General ￥3,000 Students ¥1,500（All seats reserved） Please do not bring preschool children. |
- When
- Thu, 3 November from 0:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Where
- Nagoya Noh Theater conference rooms
- Price
- Free (An entrance ticket is required.)
- Max People
- 40
- When
- Wed, 7 September ー Mon, 14 November from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Where
- Nagoya Noh Theater exhibition space
- Price
- Free
Yattokameguri
The Future of Nagoya Japanese Confectionary
This year Yatokame Cultural Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary.
This is a great opportunity to introduce to everyone the uniqueness of Nagoya Japanese Confectionery.
With the aim to celebrate the next 10 years to come, the Japanese Confectionery writer Minori Kai created a new Nagoya Japanese Confectionery brochure map titled "The Future of Nagoya Japanese Confectionary" which explores its future.
Get a copy of the Nagoya Japanese Confectionery brochure map (scheduled to be published in mid-October) and walk around Nagoya discovering the most delicious Nagoya Japanese Confectionery.
| When | Sat, 22 October ー Sun, 13 November |
|---|---|
| Shops | Aoyagi Sohonke KITTE Nagoya, Ichida, Umeyamitsutaka, 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, Kiyome-mochi Sohonke, Arare-no-takumi Shiraki, Suzume-odori Sohonten, Daikokuya Honten, Okashidokoro Tsukuhaneya, Onkashi-tsukasa Furoen Masamitsu, Matsukawaya, Mannendo, Minochu, Onkashi-tsukasa Mochikan, Mochibun Sohonten & Honten, Ymamadamochi narumi and Ryoguchiya Korekiyo Higashiyama Shop (total 24) |
• 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.
Where："Dolphins Port" venue (inside Oasis 21) Supported by Nagoya Diamond Dolphins
Visitors to the event who post on social media at the venue will receive these Japanese sweets for free (first-come-first-served)! For details, please refer to this year's brochure map "The Future of Nagoya Japanese Confectionary"
Learn about Nagoya Sweets on "Nagoya is not boring" blog post
Yattokameguri
Traveling Hanko Stamp Collection
When participating in any event of this cultural festival, you will receive a Hanko stamp that will be proof of your cultural learning journey. The more stamps, you collect, the bigger the prize. Those who collect a lot of stamps will receive an original stamp postcard and gift.
| When | Sat, 22 October ー Sun, 13 November |
|---|---|
| Where |
Activities and performances in the following programs are eligible: "Urban Performances", "Stage Performances", "Educational Programs", "Nagoya Walking Tours" and the 24 shops that collaborated in the Nagoya Sweets program. *Hanko stamps collection booklets will be distributed at each event venue. *Stamps will be given at the end of each activity and performance. |
◎ To receive the highest prize you will need to collect 20 stamps. The acceptance date of the highest prize will be on Sunday, November 13 at the "Urban Performances" venue.
Special Menu
Lecture 8 "Nagoya, the Country of Utakata - The Vestiges of Nagoya Connected Through Song"
Nagoya Omokageza
Online Event
Last year was a theatrical representation, but this year will be a cinematic representation.
The number of participating guests is the largest in the history of Omokage-za.
This year's topic will be songs.
During the Edo Period the entire Owari region was a place for singing.
It is said that it all started 1,300 years ago, with the Shinto ritual called "Emi Suinin Shinji" during the Ohoho Festival that took place at the Atsuta Jingu Shrine.
To better understand this, you will be visiting a few places around Atsuta and Nagoya area that are supposed to explain this hypothesis.
*This 8th lecture will be also streamed online.
| When | Sat, 22 October |
|---|---|
| Where | Yattokame Festival YouTube Channel |
| Appearance | Hiroshi Shimizu, Taiseki Ito, Shizuko Mizuno, Shugoro Saki, People of Omokageza, Others |
| Event production | Shingo Kojima |
Special Menu
Streaming & Heritage - Between the Plateau and the Sea 2022-
From Nagoya Castle to Atsuta, the highlight will be the history and culture with cutting-edge technology and art focusing on the Horikawa area.
Official Website｜https://streamingheritage.jp/en/index.html
| When | Thu, 3 November ー Sun, 20 November *Held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during this festival period |
|---|---|
| Venues | Nagoya Castle, Shikemichi, Nayabashi, Matsushige Locks, Atsuta, and Miya no Watashi (Scheduled places) |
| Organized by | Nagoya Japan Expo Executive Committee (Members: City of Nagoya, UNESCO City of Design Nagoya Promotion Project Executive Committee, Nagoya Town Development Corporation, Nagoya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chunichi Shimbun) |