The shakuhachi has evolved in Japan during the twentieth Century as a tool for spiritual discipline as well as a highly developed musical instrument in both traditional and contemporary music. The unique sounds of the shakuhachi attracts listeners from all over the world, and the instrument has become recognizable and representative of some of the finest aspects of Japan's musical culture. At the same time the shakuhachi, with its universal charm, has traveled beyond the borders of Japan and found a place in a wide variety of music, from classical, jazz, rock and cinematic scores.
"The Tokyo Shakuhachi summit 2002" is a continuation of the earlier international shakuhachi festivals, " International Shakuhachi Festival in Bisei" (Okayama, Japan, 1994) and the "World Shakuhachi Festival, 1998" (Boulder, Colorado) held every four years.
The goal of "the Tokyo Shakuhachi Summit 2002" is to deepen understanding and appreciation of shakuhachi music from an international perspective for players at all levels. As in the previous festivals, leading shakuhachi masters from representative styles and schools will direct a variety of learning activities; workshops, symposiums, lectures and public concerts. The participants, from both Japan and abroad, will have the unique opportunity to gain access and study from these masters.
This festival also offers the opportunity for cultural exchanges on technical, artistic and personal levels, for professionals, amateurs, scholars and shakuhachi lovers all over the world.
The site of the festival, in the old "shitamachi" Eastern part of Tokyo, will also provide an opportunity for the foreign guests to experience a part of the Tokyo downtown urban culture few outsiders have the chance to see.