Events at the Edinburgh Festival 2013

The Edinburgh Festivals will soon be in full swing. Here we’ve collected some of the Japan-related events taking place this year:

The Ryukyu – Classic (21 -26 August)

A rare chance to experience classical Okinawan song and dance outside Japan. Okinawa is situated in far south of mainland Japan and was once an independent country – the Kingdom of Ryukyu. Through trade with other south-east Asian countries, Okinawa developed a unique and varied culture very different to mainland Japan. The production showcases the best Ryukyu dance and live music from the region. The performance features traditional court dances from the Ryukyu Kingdom, fan dances, music played on the three-stringed sanshin, and glorious costumes. A must-see show for fans of dance and folk music.

NE-BU-TA (10 – 20 August)

Do you believe in reincarnation? It is traditionally believed in Japan that every single life will be reincarnated in a different form after its death: we are part of the great circle of life where the process of birth, death and rebirth is perpetually repeated. Uv+Km is a collaborative project from Japan, with members from various backgrounds, including theatre, classic ballet, kabuki and contemporary dance. We invite you to NE-BU-TA, a playful and visual performance using a paraballoon, which explores the monochromatic labyrinth of reincarnation.

Taichi Saotome (10 – 14 August)

Ancient meets modern visual spectacular. Every soul has another soul it is destined to be united with, no matter how many lifetimes it takes. Known as the Prince of Sidelong Glances in his native Japan, celebrated Japanese actor and female impersonator Taichi Saotome blends traditional Japanese dance, sword fighting, kabuki drama and multimedia to tell a story of reincarnation and regeneration. Combining masterful storytelling and breathtaking traditional costumes Taichi Saotome creates both male and female characters from multiple generations to bring this epic tale to life.

Kazakoshi (Mountain Wind) (1 – 26 August)

Japanese taiko drum group present this expression of powerfully flowing, yet rhythmically jazzy performance originating at the foot of Kazakoshi Mountain. Featuring Art Lee, one of the premiere taiko artists in the world. He is the first and only person in history to be awarded an unsponsored artist visa by the Japanese government to live in Japan as a professional taiko performer, teacher and composer. In 2012, he was dubbed Grand Champion in the worlds largest taiko contest in Tokyo.

Japanese ‘Locky’ (7 – 25 August)

Japanese ‘Locky’ is a hilarious 50-minute show starring the famous Japanese actor and comedian Hiroshi Shimizu. Shimizu has 25 years experience performing on television, in films, and in big auditorium comedy shows all over Japan. He does audience interaction and absurd comedy, in addition to stand-up comedy, in Japanese and in English. This wild and wacky show features parody movie trailers, tales of adventure, and Japanese Don Quixote slapstick that you will never forget! ‘One of those rare performances where the comedian could say anything and have the audience rolling in the aisles’ **** (ThreeWeeks).

By Rachel Mumford, Hendon School