Setouchi Palette ProjectSetouchiNews NRelease
ews Release

PaletteJR WestProjectSetouchi Symphony, in collaboration
with Japan Cultural Expo
October 16th, 2019
West Japan Railway Company

The Setouchi Palette Project is a JR West initiative that aims to encourage the many visitors to Setouchi to make repeat
visits and to promote the area as an ideal touring destination. The contents of this program were put together by the Setouchi
Palette Japan Cultural Expo Executive Committee to bring the beauty of Japan through the ages to life by making use ofSetouchi’s abundant nature, cultural assets, and rich cultural background. It has been adopted as a Japan Cultural Expo Projectfor FY 2019, promoted by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the following venues in the Hiroshima area.
Japan Cultural Expo Setouchi Symphony program overview by venue
1 Kousanji Temple, Setoda: November 9 (Sat), 10 (Sun), 23 (Sat, national holiday), 24 (Sun)
Venue: Special event venue inside Kousanji Museum, Setoda, Onomichi City
Details: Performance by Yasuo Watani (harmonica) - November 9th-10th, 23rd
Performance by Jiang Jianhua (erhu) and Yang Baoyuan (pipa) - November 24th
2 performances per day (1:45 pm and 3:30 pm), spectators must pay for admission to Kousanji Museum
2 Jodoji Temple, Onomichi: November 2 (Sat), 3 (Sun), 23 (Sat, national holiday), 24 (Sun)
Venue: Special event venue inside the grounds, Jodoji Temple, Higashikubo-cho, Onomichi City
Details: Performance by Yasuo Watani (harmonica) - November 23rd
Performance by Jiang Jianhua (erhu) and Yang Baoyuan (pipa) - November 3rd, 24th
Tsunemasa – Evening noh performance starring Kiyoshi Yoshida and Atsushi Yoshida of the Kanze School ofNoh - November 2nd
Performances start at 7:00 pm, free admission
3 Hodoji Temple, Onomichi: November 9 (Sat), 10 (Sun), 16 (Sat), 17 (Sun)
Venue: Special event venue inside the grounds, Hodoji Temple, Higashitsuchido-cho, Onomichi City
Details: Onomichi Betcha taiko drumming - November 9th-10th, 16th
Bingo Kawachi taiko drumming - November 17th
2 performances per day (6:00 pm and 7:10 pm), free admission
4 Otomeza Theater, Mitarai: November 2 (Sat), 23 (Sat, national holiday)
Venue:
Otomeza Theater, Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Yutakamachi-mitarai,Kure City
Details: Concert by Jiang Jianhua (erhu) and Yang Baoyuan (pipa) - November 2nd, 23rd
2 performances per day (1:15 pm and 2:45 pm), free admission
5 Saikokuji Temple, Onomichi: November 2 (Sat), 3 (Sun, national holiday), 17 (Sun), 23 (Sat, national holiday), 24(Sun)
Venue:
Auditorium inside Saikokuji Temple, Nishikubo-cho, Onomichi City
Details: Tasting of lemon hotpot, a local specialty, and special lecture by vice-priest Yuo Aso
Held twice per day (5:15 pm and 6:15pm), free admission- Organized by the Setouchi Palette Japan Cultural Expo Executive Committee, Agency for Cultural Affairs, and the Japan ArtsCouncil- Organized in cooperation with Hiroshima Prefecture- Cosponsored by Onomichi City and Kure City
- Advance reservations for each venue included in this program can be made online.
(Some places may also be available on the day, however, this is not guaranteed.)
Please confirm details online before attending.
* For more information on events 1-4, please see the performance guide.

＜Attachment＞ Performance guide● Performance by Yasuo Watani (harmonica)
Yasuo Watani was crowned world champion at the International Harmonica Competition 1988 andspent time in Germany as a chromatic harmonica soloist. He continues to give recitals in Japan andaround the world, mainly centered on classical music but also playing famous tango and moving
Japanese pieces. Lose yourself in the melancholy sound of the harmonica as Watani astounds you withhis skillful, revolutionary style.
Kousanji Temple, Setoda: November 9th -10th, 23rd
Jodoji Temple, Onomichi: November 23rd,

2 performances per day(1:45pm and 3:30pm, lasts about 40 mins)
1 performance(7:00pm, lasts about 40 mins)● Performance by Jiang Jianhua (erhu) and Yang Baoyuan (pipa)
These performers became world-famous for playing the theme song of The Last
Emperor, composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto. The expressive, powerful tone of the
traditional Chinese pipa and sweet, expansive sound of the erhu, sometimes known
as the Chinese violin, make an exquisite combination.

Kousanji Temple, Setoda: November 24th
- 2 performances (1:45pm and 3:30pm, lasts about 40 mins)
Jodoji Temple, Onomichi: November 3rd, 24th - 1 performance per day (7:00pm, lasts about 40 mins)
Otomeza Theater, Mitarai: November 2nd, 23rd - 2 performances each day (1:15pm and 2:45pm, lasts about 40 mins)● Tsunemasa – Noh performanceThis is a special evening Noh performance starring Kiyoshi Yoshida and Atsushi Yoshidaof the Kanze School, who also perform at Onomichi Takiginoh in May each year. Theelegant surroundings of the 700 year old Amidado provide the perfect backdrop as thebonfire exudes a mysterious air.
Jodoji Temple, Onomichi: November 2nd- 1 performance(7:00pm, lasts about 50 mins)

Kiyoshi Yoshida● Onomichi Betcha taiko drumming
Betcha taiko drumming was created in 1987 to give a modern twist to the rhythm of the traditional mikoshi(portable shrine) and accompanying hayashi (band) that can be seen at the Betcha Festival, which is held on
November 3rd each year. The intense sound as the drummers play with all of their might is thrilling.
Hodoji Temple, Onomichi: November 9th-10th, 16th

- 2 performances per day(6:00 pm and 7:10 pm, lasts about 30 mins)● Bingo Kawachi taiko drumming
Formed in 1988, this group has been active for over 30 years, looking to bring together and revitalize thelocal area through taiko drumming. The group brings together people of all ages from around the region,and includes members from Mitsugi, Fuchu, Onomichi, and Mihara. Experience the thrill of Japanese taiko.
Hodoji Temple, Onomichi: November 17th- 2 performances(6:00 pm and 7:10 pm, lasts about 30 mins)

Atsushi Yoshida