FAQs
Shiroyama Concert
Q: What time does the Shiroyama Concert end?
A: It ends approximately two hours after the starting time. Scheduled ending time is 20:30.
Q: Is there anything we can do before the concert? What can we do after we get Entrance Order Colour Cards?
A: In the nearby Ogi Port Park you will find the Harbour Market where local and international foods and goods are sold. The admission-free performance event “Fringe” takes place nearby at the Ogi Gym. Various workshops, seminar, and Explore & Experience Sado Island tours are available as well. There are sightseeing spots in the Ogi area and Sobama Beach is only 15 minutes away from Ogi by bus. Make the most of your stay in Sado!
Q: Which Shiroyama Concert do you recommend the most?
A: They are all great concerts. We produce three different programs directed by three different artistic directors. We hope you enjoy all of them.
Aug. 21 (Fri) “Kodo Night” Open 17:15 / Start 18:30
Artistic director: Tsuyoshi Maeda (Kodo)
Featuring: Kodo
The annual Earth Celebration kicks off with Kodo Night. The ensemble of 34 performers, including veteran drummers to junior members will flourish the magnetism of Kodo with the abandon of the outdoor stage. The Shiroyama Concerts have been the home to countless sounds and smiles. Come revel in the Kodo x Shiroyama rhythm that will reverberate across the Sado earth and night sky.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Aug. 22 (Sat) “Honey Moon” Open 17:15 / Start 18:30
Artistic director: Leonard Eto
Featuring: Suar Agung, Leonard Eto with Kodo
Offering heartfelt prayers and thanks to the earth, the curtain opens on the second night with Suar Agung. For the first time in 18 years, Leonard Eto comes to the stage on Shiroyama, joined by the current members of Kodo for an evening of thrilling improvisation. It will be a special evening of performances hurtling towards the future. Join us in experiencing this Honeymoon.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Aug. 23 (Sun) “Shukusai / Celebration” Open 17:15 / Start 18:30
Artistic director: Mitsuru Ishizuka (Kodo)
Featuring: Kodo, Leonard Eto, Suar Agung
Reunion, and the final evening after the eve of the honeymoon. Jegog from the Island of the Gods and
the sounds of the taiko will shake the grounds of the Festival offering prayers and celebration to the earth. Celebrate this moment in our 28th Festival – who knows what surprises await amidst the pleasure of the festivities! Three special guests collaborate to create a performance for the future. Don’t miss the moment when “the Earth becomes one on Sado Island.”
Every Shiroyama Concert is an originally and uniquely produced event, and a chance to see a Kodo performance that is quite different from their tour concerts.
Q: Are there any chairs? Should I bring one? What should I take?
A: During concert the audience sits on the lawn and it is free seating. It’s a good idea to bring a picnic sheet in case the lawn is wet from rain or dew.
Q: If it rains can I use umbrella? What kind of rain gear should I bring?
A: Umbrellas are not allowed in the concert venue because they may block the view of other people in the audience. Please dress in clothing you don’t mind getting wet and bring a raincoat if you can.
Q: Can I bring a folding chair and sit up-front? I don’t mind watching the concert from the sides.
A: You may bring a folding chair; however, you will be asked to sit far back so that you don’t block other peoples’ views.
Q: Are there any food and drinks sold in the venue? Can I bring my own food and drinks?
A: Soft drinks, beer, and snack are sold in the venue, and yes, you can bring your own. Please help us keep the venue clean by taking all your trash with you when you leave. There will be bins for every type of trash. We thank you for sorting garbage and placing them in the appropriate bins.
Q: Are there any parking spaces near the venue?
A: There are plenty of parking spaces available. However, some spots are quite far away from the venue. Please come to Ogi in good time if you would like to park near the venue.
Q: It’s too hard for me to walk up the steep path to the venue. Is there any transportation service?
A: If you aren’t able to walk up the path, we can drive you to and from the venue. Please contact Earth Celebration Committee Tel: 0259-81-4100 （Mon – Fri, 9:30 – 17:00） and be sure to ask about the meeting time.
Q: Are kids allowed in the venue? How much are children’s ticket?
A: Earth Celebration is a kid-friendly festival, including all events and concerts. Shiroyama Concerts are free for junior high school students and younger. However, primary and junior high students must carry a “Children’s complimentary ticket”. Children’s complimentary tickets are available at Kodo Ticket Service and some of the other ticketing agencies on Sado Island.
Places to eat, drink and rest
Q: Are there any restaurants and shops near the venue?
A: There are shops and restaurants on the shopping street of Ogi and in the Harbour Market. The nearest 24-hour convenience store is in Hamochi which is a 10-minute drive from Ogi.
Other info （transportation, accommodations）
Q: Can you show me how to get to the EC venue （Ogi）?
Please see the Island Transportation page.
Q: Are there any package tours?
Please see the Tour & Travel Plan page.
Are there any places to stay on Sado Island?
The Sado Tourist Association: Southern Sado Branch （0259-86-3200, Email: niigata.cool@rose.plala.or.jp） can give you the latest accommodation information. Be sure to make reservations as early as possible. We also recommend camping and joining the Farm Stay programme.