“Wesei no Koto ~Haru no Umi~”, a collection of classic and famous celebratory music played by the auspicious, elegant and elegant tones of the koto, will be released on November 20th and digital distribution will begin!

This work is a collection of popular celebratory and Keiju songs and standards that are useful for New Year’s and celebrations, and as a study of the heart of Japan, the melody of the “Okoto” further enhances the feeling of joy.

Of particular note is the first CD release of the legendary collaboration “Haru no Umi (LIVE)” by koto musician and composer Tadao Sawai and shakuhachi player and Living National Treasure Kuniyama Yamamoto.

May 9, 1992 Contains a tense live performance at Yachiyoza, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

In addition, a total of 14 songs are included, including famous performances by Japan’s leading musicians, including Living National Treasures.

The booklet includes commentary on the songs by Michitaka Takeuchi (former professor at Kunitachi College of Music), Kazuko Tanigakiuchi (Japanese music researcher), and Toshiko Kubota (professor emeritus at Kyoto City University of Arts), allowing you to deepen your understanding of each song.

Title: Koto of Celebration ~Spring Sea~

Release date: November 20, 2024

Standard number: COCJ-42338

Price: ¥2,300 (tax excluded price ¥2,091)

[Contents included]

1. Spring Sea (LIVE) 6:25

Koto: Tadao Sawai / Shakuhachi: Kuniyama Yamamoto☆

*First CD release: May 9, 1992 Recorded at Yachiyoza, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture

2. Rokudan 5:25

Koto: First generation Toshiko Yonekawa☆

3. Chidori song 4:57

Koto: Toshiko Yonekawa☆, Megumi Yonekawa

4. Kuroda Bushi 3:35

Koto: Kinu no Kai

5. Edo Nihonbashi 3:12

Koto: 1st generation Toshiko Yonekawa☆, Megumi Yonekawa, Yue Yonekawa (2nd generation Toshiko Yonekawa)

6. January 1st 3:45

Koto: Kinu no Kai

7. Ima-sama 3:17

Koto: 1st generation Toshiko Yonekawa☆, Megumi Yonekawa, Yue Yonekawa (2nd generation Toshiko Yonekawa)

8. Shintakasago 7:07

Koto: Matsukazu Yamato, Takayuki Oma / stone flute, sho, scepter beat, drum: Yuyasu Shiba, Reigakusha

9. Etenraku 3:11

Koto: Kinu no Kai

10. Godan Kinuta 12:38

Koto: Matsukazu Yamato, second generation Seikoto Toyama☆ / Shakuhachi: Kuniyama Yamamoto☆

11. Spring song 8:42

Koto: Matsukazu Yamato, Shun Hagioka

12. Yachiyo Shishi 4:41

Koto: 1st generation Toshiko Yonekawa ☆, Yue Yonekawa (2nd generation Toshiko Yonekawa) / Flute: Yoshio Nakagawa / Hayashi: Kimihisa Katata ☆ Shachu

13. Meiji Shochikubai 5:29

Koto: Second generation Seikoto Toyama☆, Kiyome Tominari

14. Sakura Variations 6:49

Koto: (1st koto) Tomoko Sunasaki, (2nd koto) Etsuko Noguchi, (17th string) Chieko Mori

[Recording time]79 minutes 43 seconds

☆…Living National Treasure

Booklet: with music commentary

Commentary: Michitaka Takeuchi (former professor at Kunitachi College of Music), Kazuko Tanigakiuchi (Japanese music researcher), Toshiko Kubota (professor emeritus at Kyoto City University of Arts), Kazuyuki Aoyama (music producer)

Kuniyama Yamamoto Profilehttps://columbia.jp/artist-info/houzan/prof.html

Tadao Sawai Profilehttps://columbia.jp/artist-info/sawaitadao/prof.html

https://columbia.jp/prod-info/COCJ-42338/