Koto, Sax and Piano Concert & Workshop

On August 1, the “Koto, Sax and Piano Concert & Workshop” was held at the Japan Information and Cultural Centre (JICC) by three Japanese artists living in Belgium, Ms. Aki Sato (koto, shamisen), Ms. Tokuko Kakiuchi (piano) and Ms. Yuina Takamizo (saxophone). The event is part of the “Japanese Toys & Games Exhibition - Part II: From Edo to Reiwa Era”, currently being held at the JICC. Performed with a combination of koto, shamisen, saxophone and piano, familiar songs were given a new life, to the great excitement of the audience. The songs included Japanese compositions such as “Yachiyo Jishi”, “Aika”, the medley “Sakura-Sakura, Haru ga Kita, Fuji no Yama”, as well as "My Favorite Things" composed by Richard Rogers and the suite "Le Carnaval des Animaux” by Saint-Saëns. After the performance, a Q&A session and an explanation of the history of the saxophone in Japan were held, followed by a workshop during which the audience had the opportunity to touch the koto. The “Japanese Toys & Games Exhibition” is held until August 27.