What's On

Proclaimed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity possessing outstanding universal value, Kabuki, in its 400 years history, has entertained and enthralled countless audiences. Behind the skilled performances by actors and lavishly designed set, however, Kabuki would not be complete without the colour of music. With their unrelenting efforts and long-term practice, Kabuki musicians (hayashikata) are an integral part of the Kabuki Theatre.

This summer, we are delighted to take part once again in the remarkable performances by TANAKA Denjiro VII in Edinburgh. Together, five carefully selected hayashikata musicians will provide a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience with the extraordinary sounds that you would normally only hear at the Kabuki theatre.

The above image is not representative of the event. Performance at Carnegie Hall.

Photo © Frederic Aranda

The Japan Foundation is excited to take part in the return of internationally acclaimed Japanese author Mieko KAWAKAMI, organised by Picador. Her newly translated work, Sisters in Yellow (『黄色い家』) is her first crime novel, poignantly exploring the question of why people commit crimes. Meet her at her exclusive talks in Manchester, Bath, Edinburgh, and London this August.

Sisters in Yellow:

Fifteen-year-old Hana seeks escape from poverty and instability in suburban Tokyo when she and the charismatic Kimiko open a small bar called Lemon, offering her friendship, purpose, and hope for a better life. But as Hana becomes drawn deeper into the harsh realities of Sangenjaya’s nightlife, she must confront betrayal, danger, and the painful loss of innocence.

Praise for Sisters in Yellow:

“With Sisters in Yellow, [Kawakami] proves she is still the most exciting Japanese novelist at work today” - The Times

“Relentlessly riveting…My heart felt very tender reading this. Astonishing Kawakami, as always” - Frances Cha, author of If I Had Your Face

About Mieko KAWAKAMI

Mieko KAWAKAMI is the author of the internationally bestselling novel Breasts and Eggs, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and one of TIME’s Best 10 Books of 2020, and the highly-acclaimed Heaven, her second novel to be translated and published in English, which Oprah Daily described as written “with jagged, visceral beauty.” Born in Osaka, Japan, KAWAKAMI made her literary debut as a poet in 2006, and in 2007 published her first novella, My Ego, My Teeth, and the World. Known for their poetic qualities, their insights into the female body, and their preoccupation with ethics and modern society, her books have been translated into over twenty languages. KAWAKAMI’s literary awards include the Akutagawa Prize, the Tanizaki Prize, and the Murasaki Shikibu Prize. She lives in Tokyo, Japan.