“Irish Days – Connecting Cultures in Nagakute”, an event to appreciate Ireland’s culture, will be held in Nagakute City (Aichi) from 18 to 28 September, 2024, organized by Ms. Mitsuko Ohno, a professor emeritus at Aichi Shukutoku University,  who have done much to promote Irish literature in Japan, and her associates. This special autumn event will be centered on the Ireland-Japan Exchange Art Exhibition based on the world of Yakumo Koizumi (Lafcadio Hearn), connecting mutual cultures of literature, art, food, music of the two countries. The event will include an exhibition featuring works by a total of 40 Irish and Japanese artists inspired by Yakumo’s works, a talk and lecture on the secrets of Yakumo Koizumi, a fun concert by the popular Irish band “Tricolor,” and a market where you can enjoy Irish food and Guinness beer. The event will also feature an Irish food and Guinness beer market. Here is the highlights of of the event:

 

Ireland-Japan Exchange Art Exhibition / Dialogue between Ireland and Japan on “Ghost Stories
Inspired by Yakumo Koizumi’s masterpiece “Kwaidan (Ghost Story)”, 40 Irish and Japanese artists will exhibit their works. Come feel the works expressing “preciousness of death” and “fear” through the medium of prints and photographs.

In connection with this art exhibition, on 21 September, great-grandson of Yakumo Koizumi, Mr. Bon Koizumi (Director of the Yakumo Koizumi Memorial Museum) will present a fascinating world of Yakumo’s works. This year marks the 120th anniversary of the publication of Yakumo’s masterpiece, “Kwaidan”. There will be lectures on Yakumo, discussions by researchers, and a reading of his masterpiece “The Snow Woman” with music by an Irish harp. This event will serve as an opportunity to learn more about Koizumi, who continues attracting attention as a rare and unique figure in the world.

Ireland-Japan Exchange Art Exhibition
Date & Time | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Wed. 18 ~ Sat. 28 Sep. 2024
Venue | Nagakute City Culture House Exhibition Room
Admission | Free
Organizers | Blue Moon Projects, Irish Days Executive Committee

Dialogue between Ireland and Japan on “Kwaidan (Ghost Stories)”
Date & Time | September 21 (Sat) 1:30 PM Doors open 2:00 PM Concert begins
Venue | Nagakute City Culture House Mori Hall
Speakers | Bon Koizumi (Professor Emeritus, Junior College of Shimane University, Director, Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Hall), Mitsuko Ohno (Professor Emeritus, Aichi Shukutoku University)
Reading: Kumiko Yamada (Part-time lecturer at Aichi Shukutoku University)
Performance: Risa Nagaya (Irish harp)
Admission |1,500 yen in advance, 2,000 yen at the door. (Reservation from here)
Co-organized | Aichi Shukutoku University Graduate School of English Literature

 

【Ireland & Nagakute Market】
You can appreciate Irish food, Guinness beer, and products from Nagakute exhibitors. Enjoy art exhibitions, music and shopping at the Nagakute House of Culture. There will be food trucks!

Ireland & Nagakute Market
Date & Time | Sat, 21 Sep. 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM / Sun, 22 Sep. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue | Nagakute House of Culture
Admission | Free

 

【Irish Whiskey Workshop】
Ireland is known as the birthplace of whiskey and produces very high quality whiskey. In this workshop, you can taste and learn about the history, characteristics, and appeal of Irish whiskey.

Irish Whiskey Workshop *Only those over 20 years old can participate
Dates & Times | 
Sat 21 Sep　❶11:30 AM ❷1:00 PM ❸3:00 PM
Sun 22 Sep  ❹11:30 AM ❺1:00 PM ❻3:00 PM
Duration | 30 minutes each
Venue | Nagakute House of Culture
Lecturer | Yoji Tomiyama (Irish Network Japan)
Fee | 1,000 yen (Reservation from here）

 

【Irish Dance Workshop】
This is a workshop for those who have no experience in Irish dance. Irish music is perfect for dancing and makes you want to beat the rhythm with your feet. Let’s dance with Irish dancers.

Irish Dance Workshop
Date & Time | Sat. 28 Sep., 10:00 a.m. Start (Registration at 9:45 a.m. / ends at 10:40 a.m.)
Venue | Nagakute City Cultural House Dance Room
Instructor | Risa
Fee | 1,000 yen, limited to 15 participants (Reservation from here)
What to bring | Leather shoes, sneakers or pumps are OK. Women’s pin heels, boots, etc. are not suitable. A sweat towel and a change of T-shirt are also helpful.

 

【Tricolor Irish Music Concert】
Music that brings joy to your lovely days… The concert featuring a popular Irish music band “Tricolor” will be held in a concert hall with excellent acoustics. Irish classics and Tricolor’s original songs will bring a smile to the listener’s face. The two-hour concert includes an Irish dance performance and an opening act by the Kinjo Gakuin Junior and Senior High School Harp Ensemble Club! Come and join for a time that will make everyone smile in rhythm!

Tricolor Irish Music Concert
Date & Time | Sat. 28 Sep. 2:00 PM – (Doors open at 1:30 PM ) Concert begins
Venue | Nagakute City Culture House Mori Hall
Performers | Tricolor, Dai Komatsu (fiddle), Risa (Irish dance), Kinjo Gakuin Junior & Senior High School Harp Ensemble Club (opening act)
Admission | Free seating (Reservation from here)
Adults 2,200 yen in advance, 2,700 yen at the door
Students: 1,500 yen in advance, 2,000 yen at the door
Students 1,500 yen in advance, 2,000 yen at the door