Songs by Yoshio Mamiya, Tokuhide Niimi and Takatomi Nobunaga. The music invites you into the world of the Manyo-shu, Okunohosomichi and modern poetry, all of which are representative of the history of Japanese literature. If you have any preconceived notions about Japanese songs, this concert will surely bring you new discoveries and impressions. (Piano: Yoshiki Tanimoto)

Manyo no Koiuta (Love Song of Manyo) (Composed by Yoshio Mamiya)
First performed in 1958. This is one of the earliest works by Yoshio Mamiya, who transformed many folk songs from various parts of Japan into musical art. Already we can feel his "pursuit of the Japanese sound". It is not based on the original poems of the Man'yoshu, but uses modern language.


OKU NO HOSOMICHI - Northern Provinces (Composed by Tokuhide Niimi)
First performed in 2011. The music is rich in contrasts between the fierce descriptions of nature and the universe, and Basho's loneliness during his travels.


Portrait of a Poet (Composed by Takatomi Nobunaga)
First performed in 2007, this suite of four songs, each with a different writing style, shows the composer's ambition. Each song is written in a different style and the composer's ambition is evident.