Celebrating Earth Your Own Special Way
Sado will be steaming with excitement again this year during Earth Celebration 2008, which will take place from August 22 to 24 in Shiroyama Park. Organized by Kodo, Japan's internationally-acclaimed taiko performance group, and now in its 21st year, this event brings artists from all around the world. Aside from the main concert, Earth Celebration (EC) will feature workshops, markets, Fringe events (participation by the general public encouraged) held at various venues all over the town of Ogi. The entire town will become the site of a huge celebration. With Atsushi Sugano of Kodo as our guide, we'll show the "inexperienced" EC participant how to get the most out of the festivities.
"First, go to the EC Information Center located at Marine Plaza Ogi (Ogi Tourist Information Office.) There you'll be able to purchase tickets for the day of the performances, and also find out what's happening where. There are events that you can participate on the day of the event, so make sure you get the latest information. It's also a good idea to get brochures and timetables for local bus lines," says Mr. Sugano.
Once you're ready to go, have a peek at the Harbor Market that's open from 10 am to 10 pm at Ogi Harbor Park. With over 100 unique shops, you're sure to find something to excite you there. Now that you've gotten all your shopping out, there are myriad things to do before the evening concerts.
Will you attend the many fringe performances and exhibits around town? Or go explore on a rental bicycle? Or will you take the bus elsewhere to see more of Sado's beautiful natural and cultural sights? Or perhaps you'd rather stay put and go fishing in Ogi or play your favorite instrument, or maybe you've brought your hobby to enjoy on the island? The choice is endless. In short, "the great thing about EC is that you can enjoy it the way you want. You're not just an audience but a participant in the celebration," Mr. Sugano said emphatically.
What's important is that you make your own moves. Go out, meet people and interact with them not just with words, but through music, dance and in spirit. Find your own way to get the most out of Earth Celebration!
People line up at Kintoki for their traditional shaved ice during EC.
"At Shiroyama Concert, you can dance to the music or gaze upon the stars above and listen to the music. Just be yourself," says Atsushi Sugano.
Harbor Market prides itself on being a leader in the recycling movement. They use reusable plates and utensils, and drink containers are also reused. Enjoy the feeling of being in a foreign land.
Three Nohs will be performed during three consecutive nights as the EC Pre Event. Look for two original Nohs, Sado-no Nichiren (Sado's Nichiren) and Toki. Also look for special appearances by Ryutaro Kaneko (Japanese Taiko.)
DATA
Earth Celebration (EC) Committee (within Kodo Cultural Foundation)
Tel.0259-81-4100 (Weekdays from 9:30 to 17:00)
- Friday to Sunday, August 22 through 24, Start: 18:30, Shiroyama Concert (Shiroyama Park)
- August 22 Kodo, August 23 Brazil Night - Olodum with Kodo, August 24 Shukusai - Kodo & Olodum
Getting to Shiroyama Park
15 minutes on foot from Ogi Harbor
Tickets
- 3 Concert Ticket: 13,000yen, 2 Concert Ticket: (8/22 & 8/23) 8,400yen (8/23 & 8/24) 8,900yen
Daily Ticket:
- 8/22, 8/23 Advance 4,700yen (day of the performance: 5,000yen)
- 8/24 Advance 5,200yen (day of the performance: 5,500yen)
Contact Kodo Ticket Service at Tel. 0259-86-2330
EC Pre-Events: Sado Takigi Noh 3 Consecutive Evening Performance 2008
- Tuesday, August 19, Start: 19:00, Kasuga Shrine Noh Stage Performance
Contact: Tel.0259-74-2220 Sado Tourism Association Aikawa Branch Office - Wednesday, August 20, Start: 19:00, Daizen Shrine Noh Stage Performance Contact: Tel.0259-55-3589 Sado Tourism Association Chuo Branch Office
- Thursday, August 21, Start: 19:00, Suwa Shrine Noh Stage Performance
Contact: Tel.0259-55-3300 Sado Tourism Association Ryotsu Branch Office
Tickets
Single Ticket Adult 3,000yen (day of the performance: 3,300yen) Student (Elementary thru High School) : 1,500yen (day of the performance: 1,700yen), 3 Performance Ticket3 Adult: 8,000yen Student (Elementary thru High School) : 4,000yen
* All open seating.
SContact Sado Tourism Association at Tel.0259-27-5000.