Latest news with #TokyoUniversityoftheArts
Yomiuri Shimbun
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Everyday Items Brightened with Nature's Colors; Tokyo-Based Plant Dyeing Brand Offers Range of Products, Beginner's Kit
The Yomiuri Shimbun Hanks of yarn dyed with a traditional technique using cherry blossoms, safflower and other natural ingredients are seen with ingredients for plant dyeing. The Yomiuri Shimbun Soft colors and textures make plant-dyed products attractive When it comes to the subtle yet varied colors brought out through plant dyeing, simple descriptors like red, blue and green fall short. Both the pale tones and the bright hues capture people's hearts. Plant dyeing, also known as vegetable dyeing, is the technique of dyeing yarns and fabrics using natural ingredients. Based in Tokyo's Kuramae district, Maito Design Works offers a range of plant-dyed items for everyday use, such as socks, scarves and small bags. 'Plant dyeing is a traditional technique that requires time and effort to both make and use, which makes it fun and interesting,' said Maito Komuro, 42, a dyer and Maito Design Works representative. The dyeing process takes place at a separate location. In addition to plants traditionally used for dyeing, such as madder plants with red roots and indigo plants that produce blue tones, he also uses ingredients like onion skins and tea leaves. Onion skins naturally produce orange, yellow and moss green, according to Komuro. Riffing on the Japanese proverb 'ten people, ten colors,' which means that everyone is different, Komuro smilingly said that his version is 'ten plants, 100 colors.' The Yomiuri Shimbun Maito Komuro dyes yarns using a dye taken from hojicha tea leaves. The natural dyes are extracted through boiling the ingredients in hot water, sometimes taking about a week to produce a satisfactory color. Komuro then soaks the materials in the same liquid, dyeing repeatedly until the desired depth of color is achieved. Even when using the same ingredients and technique, the resulting color can differ depending on the season or the production area. 'What colors are waiting to come out? I feel like dyeing is like trying to find the answer,' he said. Let's take cherry blossoms as an example. While a natural dye can be extracted by boiling cherry tree branches and bark, the color differs depending on the season: They produce pale pink in summer and darker pink in autumn and winter. Before a cherry tree blossoms, the color becomes vivid, Komuro said. Plant-dyed products require special care and attention, such as only using certain detergents for washing, and drying in the shade. For that reason, a sense of attachment is created with the owner. Komuro first encountered plant dyeing in elementary school, when his father opened a plant dyeing factory in Fukuoka Prefecture. Surrounded by the region's nature, he became interested in the craft. He studied at the Tokyo University of the Arts and gained experience working under his father. He eventually created his own brand, called 'Maito,' which is a homophone for own name but is written with different kanji that can mean being dedicated to yarn craft, to express his determination and commitment to yarns. 'The colors nature creates can heal and add brightness to our lives,' he said. Yomiuri Shimbun photos Left: Socks in various colors Right: A sweater in a soft color Plant dyeing kits The Yomiuri Shimbun A plant dyeing kit Maito Design Works offers a plant dyeing kit that includes fabrics and other tools along with the ingredients for dyeing for ¥9,900, with the hopes that everyone can enjoy plant dyeing. In addition to organizing plant-dyeing events, Komuro published a book on how beginners can enjoy plant dyeing at home in May of last year. 'I hope many people have fun plant dyeing casually. There is no right answer when it comes to getting the perfect color,' he said.
The Mainichi
16-05-2025
- Climate
- The Mainichi
Ancient aristocrat procession at Kyoto festival captivates 30,000 spectators
KYOTO -- More than 30,000 spectators were treated to an ancient Japanese imperial procession, a highlight of Kyoto's Aoi Matsuri festival, May 15 as some 500 people clad in aristocratic costumes paraded through central Kyoto. The annual early summer festival organized by Shimogamo Jinja shrine in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward and Kamigamo Jinja shrine in the city's Kita Ward is said to have started in the sixth century. As part of the May 15 "Roto-no-gi" parade, a reenactment of a Heian period (794-1185) imperial procession, participants including this year's "Saio-Dai" festival heroine Aya Yamauchi, a graduate student at Tokyo University of the Arts and a native of Kyoto's Sakyo Ward, departed the Kyoto Imperial Palace and marched for some 8 kilometers to Kamigamo Jinja via Shimogamo Jinja. Approximately 33,000 spectators (reported by Kyoto Prefectural Police) viewed the spectacle despite the early summer heat as the city's temperature hit a high of 26.7 degrees Celsius that day, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. (Japanese original by Yuki Ohigashi and Saki Hidaka, Kyoto Bureau)
The Mainichi
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Kyoto Aoi Matsuri's heroine undergoes purification ritual ahead of festival
KYOTO -- The Aoi Matsuri festival's heroine "Saio-Dai" underwent a purification ritual on May 4 at Kamigamo Jinja shrine in Kyoto's Kita Ward as the fine weather attracted many families and tourists to the sightseeing spot amid Japan's Golden Week holiday period. This year, Aya Yamauchi, a second-year graduate student at Tokyo University of the Arts, and a native of Kyoto's Sakyo Ward, serves as the 67th Saio-Dai. The 25-year-old entered the shrine grounds on May 4 clad in a "junihitoe" 12-layered ceremonial kimono. She was accompanied by a procession of about 50 women, including "warawame" (young girls) and "uneme" (court ladies), all dressed in vibrant traditional attire. Amid the sounds of ancient court music, she purified herself by dipping her fingertips into the Mitarashi River, then blew onto a wooden human-shaped doll and set it afloat in the clear stream to cleanse away any impurities. Yamauchi said, "The 'junihitoe' dress carried a lot of weight. I feel solemn." The Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three major festivals, is an annual celebration jointly held by Kamigamo Jinja shrine and Shimogamo Shrine, featuring a procession of participants dressed in Heian-period (794-1185) court attire, starting from the Kyoto Imperial Palace and visiting both shrines. The festival will be held May 15. (Japanese original by Yuki Ohigashi, Kyoto Bureau)
Daily Express
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Tokyo Symphony Orchestra: A symphony of legends
Published on: Friday, May 02, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 02, 2025 Text Size: FOR the first time ever, the prestigious Tokyo Symphony Orchestra makes its historic debut in Malaysia, bringing a monumental afternoon of music to the iconic Petronas Philharmonic Hall. Under the masterful baton of Naoto Otomo—a visionary who has led the fiercely competitive Japanese music scene—the orchestra's 80 elite musicians promise an afternoon of sheer power, passion, and breathtaking artistry. At the heart of the program lies Chopin's Piano Concerto No 1 in E minor, performed by acclaimed Japanese pianist Tomoharu Ushida. Known for his profound musical sensitivity and impeccable technique, Ushida breathes new life into this Romantic masterpiece, delivering a performance both soul-stirring and unforgettable. The journey continues with Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, in the dazzling orchestration by Maurice Ravel. Inspired by a vivid gallery of paintings, this electrifying suite transports audiences from the eerie charm of The Gnome to the thunderous majesty of The Great Gate of Kiev—a true symphonic tour de force. More than a concert, this is a celebration of international friendship and artistic excellence—a landmark moment in cultural collaboration between Japan and Malaysia. Experience a historic afternoon of world-class music, as one of Asia's premier orchestras takes the Malaysian stage for the very first time. Date: June 1, 2025 (Saturday) Time: 3pm (Afternoon performance) Venue: Petronas Philharmonic Hall, KLCC Ticket Prices: RM290 | RM430 | RM550 | RM680 Special Discount: 30 per cent for students Tickets are available at this website. Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness one of Asia's leading orchestras live in Kuala Lumpur. Reserve your seats now for an unforgettable afternoon of world-class music. Naoto Otomo – Conductor Naoto Otomo is one of Japan's most prominent and versatile conductors, widely respected for his dynamic artistry, refined interpretations, and dedication to expanding Japan's orchestral music scene. A graduate of Tokyo University of the Arts and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Otomo began his career as Resident Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra before becoming its Music Director. He has also served as Music Director of the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and is currently Conductor Laureate of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. Otomo has worked with leading orchestras across Europe, the United States, and Asia, and is a passionate advocate for contemporary music, often premiering works by both Japanese and international composers. His deep musical insight and precision have made him a key figure in shaping the modern orchestral sound in Japan. In addition to the concert stage, Otomo is active in opera and film music, and has played a crucial role in nurturing young talents through education and mentorship. His influence continues to inspire new generations of musicians across Asia and beyond. Tomoharu Ushida – Piano Tomoharu Ushida is one of Japan's most exciting young pianists, praised for his poetic expression and exceptional technique. Born in 1999, he began piano at the age of three and made his professional debut with Universal Music Japan at just 12. A prizewinner at the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition, Ushida has performed with leading orchestras worldwide and currently studies at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. His performances are celebrated for their elegance, emotion, and deep musical insight. Piano Concerto No 1 in E minor, Op 11 Frédéric Chopin Composed in 1830 when Frédéric Chopin was just 20 years old, this concerto is a stunning expression of youthful passion and poetic refinement. Though labeled "No 1," it was actually his second piano concerto written, but the first to be published. The work is beloved for its soaring melodies, delicate interplay between piano and orchestra, and its deeply expressive Romantic spirit. The first movement opens with grandeur and drama, leading to a heart-rending Romanze that feels like a whispered nocturne—intimate, lyrical, and full of tender longing. The brilliant final movement dances with the rhythms of Polish folk music, bringing the concerto to a sparkling and energetic close. It is a true showcase of the piano as a singing, emotional voice—an ideal match for a pianist of poetic sensibility and technical grace. Modest Mussorgsky (orchestrated by Maurice Ravel) Originally composed for solo piano by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky in 1874, Pictures at an Exhibition is a vivid musical tribute to his late friend, artist Viktor Hartmann. Each movement represents a different artwork by Hartmann, with the recurring "Promenade" theme portraying the composer strolling through a gallery. In 1922, French composer Maurice Ravel masterfully orchestrated the piece, transforming it into one of the most brilliant and colorful orchestral showpieces ever written. From the eerie whimsy of 'The Gnome' to the grand, triumphant finale 'The Great Gate of Kiev,' the suite is a powerful journey through sound and imagination—an exhibition not of pictures on walls, but of scenes vividly painted with music. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Arab News
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi Film Festival panel explores parallels between Japanese, Saudi cinema
DHAHRAN: From Tokyo to Dhahran, audience members at the 11th Saudi Film Festival were treated to a rich cross-cultural exchange during a panel this week that explored the cinematic parallels and connections between Japan and Saudi Arabia. Moderated by Zohra Ait El-Jamar, head of Hayy Jameel Cinema, the panel featured US-based Japanese director and photographer Ken Ochiai, Oscar-nominated Japanese animator Koji Yamamura, and Ithra's Japanese-fluent Saudi film expert Majed Z. Samman. Yamamura, who has had a career spanning 45 years and teaches at Tokyo University of the Arts, said: 'What I make is more artistic films, not commercial ones.' The globally acclaimed animator offered a masterclass earlier in the festival. Ochiai, who viewed the Saudi film 'Hobal' at the festival, noted striking similarities between Japanese and Saudi cultural expressions in cinema. He praised 'Hobal,' pointing to the strong emphasis on cinematography, concise dialogue, and captivating narrative. 'Less is good, if you can convey feelings through facial expressions,' he said. The panel encouraged the audience to watch more foreign films 'to broaden your perspective.' Samman said that Saudi audiences have favored three main film categories for decades: 'Hollywood, Bollywood, and anime.' He said that his love of cinema began while studying in Tokyo. 'Saudis grew up on anime that was mostly dubbed into Arabic,' he said, adding that many popular films, such as 'Inception,' were based on Japanese originals. Japanese films often require a bit of homework beforehand, Samman said. 'If you're not into it (Japanese storytelling style), or if you're not going to research it, you might think it's stupid or cheesy — or, what's happening here? I think we need to bridge that gap between the culture and the visual language,' he said. Ochiai explained the differing approaches to film editing, saying that in Hollywood, several takes are shot, and editing happens later. In contrast, Japanese filmmakers often prefer to edit in real time, based on a meticulously planned storyboard, in order to minimize extra work. While Japanese films can sometimes feel lacking in context, every country has its own visual language, he said. Japanese cinema's minimalist sensibility resonates deeply within Japan, though it can sometimes feel mysterious or confusing to outside audiences. This is because Japan's film industry has traditionally prioritized domestic viewers, without filling in background details that international audiences might need. Ochiai said that audiences today who focus on trending aesthetics, especially on TikTok, may be looking in the wrong direction. 'What we really need to focus on is the message of the film. How you learn is not on YouTube, but how you learn is from the past, like the movies from the past, because everything is coming from the top. 'Art is a copy of something. So, if you copy the copy of the copy of the copy, it just gets watered down — the quality — so you should learn the history of the cinema so that you can also bring something new to the table,' he said.
