Small Concert at Asahiyaki Gallery, Uji

For our 8th edition of this intimate concert series, we are delighted to present a unique ensemble of guitar, shakuhachi (bamboo flute), and koto, weaving together Jazz and traditional Japanese music.

The evening begins with a relaxed tea gathering in a Taisho-era tearoom, followed by a small concert in the gallery overlooking the flow of the Uji River. After the concert, we invite you to join a friendly reception. Please come and enjoy a special moment of connection through ceramics, tea, and music.

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Date: Monday, September 22, 2025

Time & Program

Twilight Session (reception opens 15 minutes before start)

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  15:30 Tea Gathering (Asahian tearoom)

  
  


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  16:30 Small Concert (Gallery)

  
  


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  17:30 Reception

  
  

  　Enjoy the clear river view and evening sky from the gallery’s large riverside windows.

  
  

Night Session (reception opens 15 minutes before start)

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  19:00 Tea Gathering (Asahian tearoom)

  
  


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  20:00 Small Concert (Gallery)

  
  


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  21:00 Reception

  
  

  　Experience the sounds of East and West blending into the quiet flow of the Uji River at night.

  
  

Tea gatherings begin as guests arrive. For the Twilight Session, please arrive by 16:00, and for the Night Session, by 19:30.

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Venue

ASAHIYAKI Shop & Gallery

67 Mataburi, Uji, Kyoto

(7 minutes’ walk from Keihan Uji Station, 17 minutes’ walk from JR Uji Station)

The Asahian tearoom is located in the old house to the left of the gallery entrance.

Detailed directions will be provided upon registration.

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Participation Fee

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  Twilight Session: ¥4,000

  
  


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  Night Session: ¥5,000

  
  

Twilight Session reception includes tea and sweets.

Night Session reception includes tea and light food (with take-away option available).

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Capacity

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  Twilight Session: up to 12 guests

  
  


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  Night Session: up to 12 guests

  
  

  (First-come basis)

  
  

Registration

Please apply via the inquiry form with the following details:

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  Your name

  
  


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  A phone number we can reach you on the day

  
  


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  Session preference (Twilight or Night)

  
  


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  Number of participants

  
  

 Registration
Email: info@asahiyaki.co.jp

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Performers

Shakuhachi – Akihiko Iwata

Based in Nagoya. Born into a family of traditional Japanese musicians (shakuhachi and koto), he made his stage debut at 11. In his 20s, he formed groups such as ING and Japassic, performing across genres including at the Nagano Olympics. Since 2004, he has led the jazz fusion ensemble WAZZ, introducing the sound of traditional Japanese instruments within jazz. Active in the Nagoya jazz scene and beyond.

Awards & Affiliations: NHK Hogaku Audition winner, Nagoya City Art Festival Encouragement Prize, AMET Aichi Newcomer Prize, Head of Ritsuen Memorial Association, Director of Shakuhachi Saionryu Preservation Institute, Founder of WAZZ, Member of Tokai Sankyoku Society.

Guitar – Harry Kato

From Aichi Prefecture. Trained in piano since childhood, he shifted to percussion during his university days and became deeply involved with Latin music. He has contributed as percussionist, producer, arranger, and operator in several album recordings. In recent years, he has been exploring jazz and Brazilian music, performing widely as both percussionist and guitarist. His work pursues the guitar’s rhythmic possibilities.

Koto – Yumiko Nishio

Koto musician, Director of Kanade Inc., and certified teacher of the Sawai Koto Institute. Based in Uji, Kyoto, she performs both classical and contemporary works, and has appeared internationally in Hungary, Moscow, and beyond. She composes and improvises to suit event themes and enjoys cross-genre collaborations. In 2017 she founded Kanade Inc., planning workshops and cultural projects, with a mission to share the beauty of Japanese traditional culture worldwide.