The festival offers a range of attractions including outdoor concerts at Shiroyama Park, workshops, fringe events (free-admission performances by invited and general guests), and the Harbour Market (food/drink, crafts, ethnic goods, et al). As the name suggests, “Earth Celebration” transcends borders and cultures to bring a brilliant collage of art and music to a very special corner of the world. This summer, come and celebrate with us.
The Shiroyama Concerts, EC’s main concert events, take place up on the hill in Shiroyama Park’s lush green surroundings. A star-filled sky and the chirp of cicadas complete this natural outdoor arena. What better place to celebrate the earth
One of the goals of Earth Celebration is to foster mutual understanding through shared experiences. Our aim is to make EC a festival not just to observe, but to actively participate in as well, so our workshops have a place at EC as important as the Shiroyama Concerts. Workshops provide participants with the opportunity to play taiko and other musical instruments, make handicrafts, and experience the magic of performing folk arts from all over Japan, not to mention the vibrant traditional arts of Sado Island.
Beyond the main-stage performances at EC, we also strive to provide more intimate opportunities to experience the culture of both Kodo and Sado Island. This year we are offering a large range of activities, including a story-telling program for our youngest participants. Come take advantage of this rare chance to learn Kodo members’ personal history and the history of their home, Sado Island.
The Fringe stage is a free venue where EC guests can share some of their own artistic expressions. Once on Sado, be sure to check the list of performers and fringe event schedule at the EC Information Centre. “Special Fringe” events are performances by Kodo members, invited guests, or workshop instructors.
Here you’ll find plenty of local Sado delicacies as well as food and drink from all over the world, clothing, dry goods, musical instruments and crafts, et al. Indulge, shop, and come and relax on the lawn where you’ll find friends listening to live performances, dancing, playing drums, laying back, and enjoying the best of EC’s carefree atmosphere. With the help of NPO Eco Hibiki Sado and Tokyo’s Earth Garden, we are working to reduce trash and make recycling a cornerstone of EC. Food stalls in the market use reusable drinking cups and recyclable plates. We are currently accepting applications for stall holders.
Join Sado Island Taiko Centre staff Shin’ichi Sogo a.k.a. Shinchan-sensei for some taiko fun! Both children & adults are invited to enjoy the vibrations of the taiko with body and soul.
There are over thirty Noh stages remaining on Sado and the art form is deeply rooted in the island’s culture. This year once more, we’ll invite professional Noh actors to Sado and host Noh performances at two different venues before EC. Come experience a vibrant example of classic Japanese culture, complete with the soothing summer evening sounds of a crackling fire and chirping frogs.
One of the best things about Earth Celebration is its backdrop– the natural splendor of Sado Island. There’s more to see and do beyond just concerts and workshops. Please join us to experience the beautiful ocean, the lush mountains, and all of the habitats of the island’s flora and fauna.
