Edinburgh Festival 2016 - Japan related highlights

In this year’s Edinburgh Festival there are many acts that take you on a journey through Japan’s art, culture and sounds.

1. Japan’s Elegant Breeze

1st C venue – C too (Venue 4) 1hr 30mins 14:15

2nd C venues (venue 34) 1hr 30mins 19:30

This act explores Japan’s ancient classic and contemporary sounds and gives you an insight into the music culture of Japan. Four young musicians from Tokyo University of the Arts will present classic, contemporary Japan, friendship and original composed music all rolled into one, wearing traditional kimonos.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=japan

2. Katsura Sunshine: Rakugo!

Sweet grassmarket (venue 18) 45mins 17:40 suitability: 12+

A 400-year old traditional storytelling theatre performance that keeps going and a Japanese story-telling comic (In English) who is hilarious. Be a part of Sunshine’s Rakugo world tour, now in its third year and approaching visits to 20 countries. An hour of laughter with a piece of Japan in your heart because it really is a one of a kind!

Katsura Sunshine: Rakugo! | Theatre | Edinburgh Festival Fringe

3. Tent

Spotlites (venue 278) 50mins 12:30 suitability: PG

New contemporary theatre from Japan depicts the struggles anyone can experience. Tent portrays our complex feelings about being an outsider in various ways. Set deep in the mountains, getting lost leads to camping overnight in a tent. When words come out and bring conversations, reality starts breathing. One question will arise. What have you been hiding? Tent | Theatre | Edinburgh Festival Fringe

4. ONE – The Man Chosen By the Spirit of the Japanese Drum

Space Triplex (venue 38) 50mins 13:40

Powerful like a dragon, supple like a dancer, Kensaku Satou is an astonishing and remarkable Taiko drummer from Japan. He performed for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France and toured different countries in Europe, Africa and the USA. Most of his works are based on Japanese mythology and represent the old Japanese spirituality. He presents his complete solo show especially for the Edinburgh Fringe. His explosive beats and divine performance will show you totally a new universe.

ONE – The Man Chosen By the Spirit of the Japanese Drum | Music | Edinburgh Festival Fringe

5.The Mikado

Paradise in Augustines (venue 152) 2hrs 15mins 16:40

Following the tremendous success of last year’s production of The Pirates of Penzance, Mermaids Performing Arts Fund and St Andrews Gilbert and Sullivan Society return to the Edinburgh Fringe with The Mikado, Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular comic opera. The Mikado is a fantastically funny satire on Britain, set in Japan. Nanki-Poo is in love with Yum-Yum. However, her guardian Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner of Titipu, has eyes on her himself. Can true love triumph? And what will happen when an execution is demanded? With Gilbert’s witty one-liners and Sullivan’s catchy tunes – join us to find out!

The Mikado | Musicals and Opera | Edinburgh Festival Fringe