Shomyo (Japanese Buddhist Chant) Performance

Koto Cultural Centre Hall

ACA National Arts Festival Presents

An Encounter with Shomyo (Japanese Buddhist Chant)

Performance Date October 17 (Sat.), 2026

Performance Time 11:00 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. 3:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.

*The finish time is an estimate and may vary.

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Explanation: Let's Learn About Shomyo Navigator: MIHOTOKE (Comedian / Researcher of Buddhist Temples and Statues)

Expositor: NUMAJIRI Kenshō (Head Priest of Chōfuku-in Temple)

Performance: Shomyo of the Buzan Branch of the Shingon Sect Chūkyoku-Rishu-Zanmai with a Two-Part Liturgy Karyōbinga Shomyo Kenkyūkai

*Free English synopsis is available. Please ask at the reception desk. Free Japanese brochure is available.

Tickets (Tax included) Adluts: 5,000 yen (Students: 3,500 yen)

Seating plan [PDF/99KB]

Booking Opens 10:00 a.m., August 18 (Tue.), 2026

*20% discount is available for persons with disabilities and one accompanying caregiver. This offer may not be combined with other discounts. *Tickets for students and persons with disabilities for this performance are available online. *If you require wheelchair-accessible seating, please make your reservation by telephone through the Box Office. Please note that existing reservations cannot be converted to wheelchair-accessible seating after they have been made. For more details, please contact the Box Office. *If there are still tickets available for purchase on the day of the event, you may purchase them in person at the Box Office (on-site) for this performance. Box Office (on-site): Open from 10:00 a.m. until each curtain time.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Box Office 0570-07-9900 (From overseas: +81-3-3230-3000) in English and Japanese (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Book Online

Click here for imformation in Japanese

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An Encounter with Shomyo (Japanese Buddhist Chant)

Shomyo is vocal music chanted by Buddhist monks in ceremonies, using various musical techniques. This performance is presented as an introductory program. In the first half, “Explanation: Let's Learn About Shomyo,” we will explain about shomyo with demonstration. In the second half, “Performance: Shomyo of the Buzan Branch of the Shingon Sect,” the Karyōbinga Shomyo Kenkyūkai, a group actively engaged in shomyo performances at the National Theatre as well as overseas, will present “Chūkyoku-Rishu-Zammai with a Two-Part Liturgy,” a representative Shingon Sect ritual format. Experience the profound and beautiful sounds of shomyo, passed down through the centuries, here in the theater.