Our achievements
Archives of our activities
We would like to introduce some examples of our activities.
We would like to introduce examples of our activities to date, including projects transferred from the Kirizaki Jiuta Dance Practice Group.
We offer a wide range of activities, from performances to workshops and interviews, but at the core of our activities we aim to help everyone discover something and feel joy.
La Spezia
12 March Wednesday 19:00-20:00
Sala Dante
Greetings：Giulio Guerri （City Council Office of La Spezia）
Explanation : About backgroud of "Associazione Culuturale Kirizaki" by Gianfranco Taormina
"Kuro kami" (Black hair) Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo Song and Play Sangen：Ohara Nao（Recorded source)Q&A : Kirizaki Tsurujo, Translator Kawaguchi Yukie
The city of La Spezia kindly provided a very nice venue. We held an opening ceremony to commemorate the establishment of "Associasione Culturale Kirizaki" shich promotes Japanese culture in Italy. Supporters of our organization gathered and Mr. giulio Guerri from the city of La Spezia also attended to deliver congratulatory remarks. We showcased the history leading up to this moment and performed the dance "Kurokami (Black Hair)". some attendees were seeing this dance for the first time and we received many warm words of encouragement, boosting our motivation for future events.
Supported by La Spezia City
La Spezia
13 March Thursday 18:00-19:00
Sala Dante
Moderator：Gianfranco Taormina
Dialogue：Gianmauro Figoli、Kirizaki Tsurujo
"Takasago" Dance : Kirizaki Tsurujo Song and Play Sangen：Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
We held a discussion in a dialogue format to deepen the understanding of Zashikimai and Japanese culture. We talked about the reasons of cherishing the folding fan and the different types of dance. After that we concluded by performing "Takasago".
Supported by La Spezia City
La Spezia
13 March Thursday 20:45-21:00
One Personal Center
Workshop
Moderator：Gianfranco Taormina
Instructor：Kirizaki Tsurujo
「Sakura Sakura」Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo and all of the attendants Song and Play Sangen：Ohara Nao（Recorded source）One Personal Center is a gym for individual coaching. We held a workshop there about health and fitness with the support of the gym owner, Mr. sirio Cozzani. Evetyone was highly motivated to take on challenges.
Pontremoli
14 March Fridy 11:00-12:30
Teatro della Rosa
Moderator：Gianfranco Taormina
"Kiku no Tsuyu (Chrysanthemum Dew)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
"Matsu zukushi (Every Pine Trees)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)"Sakura Sakura (Cherry blossoms)" Song and Play Sangen : Kirizaki Tsurujo
Trial of Geta and Ashinaka
The students from four high schools in Pontremoli have come. Two students took the stage up, and we asked them to translate during the Q&A session. I feel that having the students involved made it feel more personal. Curing the trial of geta, a curious student took the stage, which I think left a stronger impression.
La Spezia
14 March Friday 18:40-20:00
Parrocchia di San Pietro Apostolo Mazzetta
Workshop
Moderator：Gianfranco Taormina
Instructor：Kirizaki Tsurujo
"Kiku no Tsuyu (Chrysanthemum Dew)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)"Sakura Sakura (Cherry blossoms)" Dance : Kirizaki Tsurujo and some of the attendants, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
Unexpectedly, one of the children from the trial of "Sakura Sakura" expressed a desire to perform individually. since the dance practice is based on one-on-one session. I was delighted and surprised by this request. This time, thanks to the cooperation of the priest, people who attend the church gathered. Initially, I heard that only elderly people would be present but many children showed up, making it a lively and enjoyable time. I am grateful that an atmosphere was created that makes it easy for those interested in Japan to participate.
La Spezia
photo : Alessandro Manno
15 March Saturday 18:20-20:00
Sala Dante
Greetings：Oscar Teja Counsellor of City council for culture of La Spezia
司会：Gianfranco Taormina
"Tsuru no koe (voice of crane)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo Song and Play Sangen：Yamada Shoma
"Sode goro (Sleeve and Incense Burner)" Song and Play Sangen : Yamada Shoma
"Yashima" Dance : Kirizaki Tsurujo Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
Q&A ; Kirizaki Tsurujo, Kawaguchi Yukie (Translator), Gianfranco Taormina,
Many people attended again this year, just like last year, and the questions varied widely as they did las year. This time we focused just on the dance performance and scheduled the wrkshop for a different date, which seems to have tightened the content. Additionally, the audience was able to see the constume changes, and I believe they enjoyed a more substantial experience.
Supported by La Spezia City
Wabi Aikido House
moderator：Gianfranco Taormina
"Tsuru no koe (voice of crane)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo Song and Play Sangen：Yamada Shoma
"Yashima" Dance : Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recordedsource)
"Sode goro (Sleeve and Incense Burner)" Song and Play Sangen : Yamada Shoma
Q&A ; Kirizaki Tsurujo, Kawaguchi Yukie (Translator), Gianfranco Taormina,
Although there were only eight people, they were interested new experience.
Università degli studi di Torino
Moderator：Gianfranco Taormina
Facilitator：Professor Asuka Ozumi
"Kiku no Tsuyu (Chrysanthemum Dew)" Dance : Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)Dialogue, Q&A：Professor Asuka Ozumi, Kirizaki Tsurujo, Gianfranco Taormina
"Matsu Zukushi (Every Pine Trees)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
"Sakura Sakura (Cherry blossomes)" Dance : Kirizaki tsurujo, Song and Play sangen : Yamada Shoma
Dialogue, Q&A：Professor Asuka Ozumi, Kirizaki Tsurujo, Gianfranco Taormina
"Yuki (Snow)" Dance : Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
I had a discussion with Ozumi-sensei about the history and content of the dance. It was widely participated in, not limited to just the students, resulting in a tournout of people of all ages and genders, so mu so that some had to stand. For most, it was their first time seeing Japanese performing arts in person.
Officina della Scrittura (Museo di Aurora Penne)
Moderator：Gianfranco Taormina
"Tsuru no koe (voice of crane)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo Song and Play Sangen：Yamada Shoma
Lecture about Japanese charactor：Asuka Ozumi-sensei
Lesson of Japanese calligraphjy：Vera Marchini-sensei
Workshop : Kirizaki Tsurujo, Gianfranco Taormina
"Sakura Sakura (Cherry blossoms)" Dance : Kirizaki Tsurujo and some of the attendants, Song and Play Sangen : Yamada Shoma
Lesson of Western style Calligraphy：Ernesto Casciato-sensei
"Yuki (Snow)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo Song and Play Sangen ：Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
The performance featuring various content was held with the Aurora Pen. It was organized by Mr. Riccardo Murrau, the head of Cicolo Fotografico No Pixel di Chiavasso who took photos during the event to be judged later in a contest with the winning works to be exhibited in the Aurora Pen museum. Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Cesare Verona. the president of Aurora Pen, also attended, ane we felt a strong interent in beauty.
Fondazione Polli Stoppani (For Students of Università degli studi di Bergamo, Marco Taddei class)
Moderator：Gianfranco Taormina
Facilitator：Professor Marco Taddei
"Kiku no Tsuyu (Chrysanthemum Dew)"Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)Dialogue, Q&A：Professor Mardco Taddei, Kirizaki Tsurujo, Gianfranco Taormina
"Matsu zukushi (Every Pine Trees)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
Dialogue, Q&A：Professor Marco Taddei, Kirizaki Tsurujo, Gianfranco Taormina
"Yuki (Snow)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
An introduction even for Zashikimai as part of Professor Marco Taddei's course at the University of Bergamo. With the support of General Secretary Marco testa and communication window silvia Bocia. We were albe to hold the event in the building of the Polli stoppani Foundation. The students were soenthusiastic that they asked an overshelming number of questions, for exceeding the scheduled time.
Supported by Bergamo City
Fondazione Polli Stoppani
Moderator：Gianfranco Taormina
"Tsuru no koe (voice of crane)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo Song and Play Sangen：Yamada Shoma
Showing of Changing Costume : Kirizaki Tsurujo
"Yashima" Dance : Kirizaki Tsurujo Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
Q&A : Kirizaki Tsurujo, Gianfranco Taormina
"Sode goro (Sleeve and Incense Burner)" Song and Play Sangen : Yamada Shoma
"Yuki (Snow)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
Six students from yesterday also came today. I can feel their enthusiasm. Bychanging the outfit from the one to be shown to a regular kimono the order of the songs has been rearranged but thanks to that I was able to change clothes calmly had time to tune the shamisen and the Q&A could be divided into dance and shamisen sessions which made for a good arrangement. I would like to continue doing this int the future.
Supported by Bergamo City
Civica Scuola di Musica di Chiavenna
Moderaor：Rosanna Barbonetti
"Tsuru no koe (voice of crane)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo Song and Play Sangen：Yamada Shoma
Showing of Changing Costume : Kirizaki Tsurujo
"Yashima" Dance : Kirizaki Tsurujo Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
Q&A : Kirizaki Tsurujo, Gianfranco Taormina
"Sode goro (Sleeve and Incense Burner)" Song and Play Sangen : Yamada Shoma
"Yuki (Snow)" Dance：Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Ohara Nao (Recorded source)
Workshop , Trial of Geta, "Sakura Sakura" Dance : Kirizaki Tsurujo, Song and Play Sangen : Yamada Shoma
We spnet a long time of Three hours together. since it started at 9 PM, it ended up being midnight but many guests stayed and enjoyed themselves. I particularly cannot forget the delighted expressions of the three young women sho experienced wearing Yukata.
Consolato Generale del Giappone a Milano
We were able to visit the Consulate-General of Japan in Milan to report and express our gratitude for their support of all the events. since I had to leave my mobile phone at eh entrance the Deputy Consul kindly took photos with her smartphone and sent them to me. She said "If the Italians are enjoying your events so much, I must join next year. Please let me know whoen the plans are set." I am grateful for this. I also had a pleasant conversation with Ms. Francesca Prato, who has been very supportive to us.
(Evento in Potremoli not included)
Supported by Consolate General of Japan in Milan
Kiri no Hana Kai （Kirizaki Mai Performances in Zashiki）
We held a dance performances at the Yoyogi Noh stage with formal preparations.
In the soft sunlight of winter, we danced with two Natori members this time.
We received comments such as "I felt like I had traveled back in time" "I was able to concentrate on the content of the dance" "I was profoundly moved" and "I was moved to tears."
Such events are burdensome, but they are important, so we would like to continue to hold them at least once every two years.
"Kurokami" Kirizaki Tsurujo
"Matsu zukusi" Kirizaki Hizuru
"Hana no tabi" Kirizaki Sayajo
"Tamatori" Kirizaki Tsurujo
Song and Sangen Ohara Nao
Trial Class（Three-part series）The basics of Jiuta-mai Learned with "Ukifune"
First session
We held a trial class for the first time in 7 years at "Kyorakutei" in Coredo Muromachi in front of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi. This time, you will learn the basics of jiuta dance while dancing "Ukifune".
The first session focused on "posture," "standing and sitting," "walking," "how to handle a fan," and "how to go around."
We received comments from those who participated, such as "I had the opportunity to listen to the voices of my body parts" and "It was my first time to hold a fan, but I would like to consider participating again next time."
I'm looking forward to the next one.
"Ukifune" Instructor Tsurujo
Trial Class（Three-part series）The basics of Jiuta-mai Learned with "Ukifune"
Second session
The second session covered a lot of topics, including posture, standing and sitting, walking, how to handle a fan, how to go around, and dancing "Ukifune".
We received comments from those who participated, such as "It was more fun because I felt like I was able to dance better the second time than the first" and "I feel like my muscles are going to hurt."
I'm looking forward to the next one.
"Ukifune" Instructor Tsurujo
Trial class（Three-part series）The basics of Jiuta-mai Learned with "Ukifune"
Third session
The third session was mainly about the second half of "Ukifune", but we also received comments from first-time participants that "the explanations were specific and very easy to understand, and the first dance experience was enjoyable."
We would like to plan traial class or workshops in the future.
