An evening of traditional Japanese music comes to Nicosia with koto recital

Music japanNicosia An evening of traditional Japanese music comes to Nicosia with koto recital Image Relevant News An evening of traditional Japanese music comes to Nicosia with koto recital 20 August 2026 Cyprus authorities say situation manageable after Turkish military jet’s close approach to passenger plane 20 August 2026 CCTV leads police to second suspect in Paphos delivery driver attack 20 August 2026 newsroom 20 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber An evening of traditional Japanese music comes to Nicosia next month, as the Embassy of Japan in Cyprus and The Cyprus Institute present a koto recital by UK-based musician Aki Kitagawa. The Recital According to the announcement, the one-night-only performance takes place on Wednesday, September 9, at 19:30, at the Costas Stefanis Amphitheatre of The Cyprus Institute in Aglantzia. Doors open at 19:00, and the performance is expected to last around an hour. Admission is free, though the announcement notes that advance reservations are required due to limited seating, and can be made only through the online booking link provided by the Embassy, not by email or phone. About the Koto The announcement describes the koto as a traditional Japanese zither with a long wooden body and thirteen strings, traditionally played by plucking with finger picks. It has played an important role in Japanese musical traditions for centuries, from its early associations with the Imperial court to its development as a central instrument in the classical koto repertoire. It is performed in settings ranging from formal concerts and cultural events to festivals, tea ceremonies and New Year celebrations, and, in traditional ensemble music, is often played alongside the shamisen and shakuhachi in a combination known as sankyoku, or “three-instrument ensemble.” Today, the announcement notes, the koto continues to evolve, with musicians performing both traditional repertoire and new works in concerts, theatres and contemporary settings. The instrument’s two major schools of performance, Ikuta-ryū and Yamada-ryū, have each developed into various branches and specialised schools, or ryūha, contributing to the diversity of koto traditions. About the Performer Aki Kitagawa is a UK-based koto player and a member of the Sawai Koto Institute, performing on the Ikuta-ryū koto, the announcement states. His repertoire spans traditional and classical works, contemporary pieces and original compositions, and through collaborations with musicians across the UK and Europe, he explores new creative possibilities for the instrument, bringing its distinctive sound to wider audiences. About the Embassy The Embassy of Japan in Cyprus was established in 2018 and is committed to its ongoing mission of introducing Japanese culture in Cyprus through events, educational activities and grant programmes, according to the announcement. Details Date: Wednesday, September 9Venue: Costas Stefanis Amphitheatre, The Cyprus Institute, AglantziaTime: Doors open 19:00, performance starts 19:30Duration: Approximately one hourAdmission: Free, advance reservation requiredOrganisers: Embassy of Japan in Cyprus and The Cyprus Institute Reservations can be made via the booking link. The Embassy will not accept reservations by email or phone. For further information, the Embassy of Japan in Cyprus’s Cultural & PR Department can be contacted at 5 Esperidon Street, Strovolos 2001, Nicosia, by telephone on +357 22 394 800, by fax on +357 22 319 077, or by email at [email protected]. Further details are also available on the Embassy’s website and its Facebook and Instagram pages. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Cyprus authorities say situation manageable after Turkish military jet’s close approach to passenger plane CCTV leads police to second suspect in Paphos delivery driver attack No cause for panic despite first West Nile virus case of 2026, Cyprus officials say Larnaca Film Festival returns with four days of free screenings across the city Environmentalists demand crackdown after violations at protected Lara turtle beach Things to do on Thursday, August 20 Paphos man remanded over attack that left five delivery drivers injured; second suspect sought Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.