Fourth Kwasan Observatory Field Concert (15 October 2016)

On 15 October, the fourth Kwasan Observatory Field Concert was held with Kitaro, a world-renowned musician, taking the stage.

Since its establishment in 1929, Kyoto University's Kwasan Observatory has produced world-leading achievements in observation of the sun and the solar system. It has also played a significant role in astronomy education as a pilgrimage for amateur astronomers.

In recent years, however, the continuing viability of the observatory has come into question due to the aging of the buildings and telescopes, and continuing government subsidy cuts to national universities. In spite of such bleak prospects, the observatory was honored with a Kyoto City designation as one of "the buildings and gardens making Kyoto attractive, recommended by citizens". Commemorating the designation, the observatory started holding annual field concerts to raise public awareness of the need to maintain the historic facility.

The artist Kitaro has supported the observatory since he learned of its critical circumstances, and has participated in the field concert every year. Based on his suggestion, the fourth concert invited a number of high school students, thanks to the Kyoto Prefecture and Kyoto City boards of education. Around 300 participants enjoyed the world premiere live video concert entitled "Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Universe" under a full moon in the clear autumn sky.

"Kojiki and the Universe" is an audiovisual creation, in which a variety of images of the universe are presented with the Kitaro piece "Kojiki". At the initiative of Observatory Director and Professor Kazunari Shibata, together with Kitaro, the work was created by the observatory and KU's Academic Center for Computing and Media Studies as a joint research project. Selected images were meant not only to be artistic, but also to act as an astronomy primer when viewed all together.

"Kojiki and the Universe" was completed in August 2015, and a DVD of the English version as well as the live concert version were competed in 2016, the latter receiving its world premiere at this concert. Ms Kayo Mikami, a dance master, also delivered a stirring performance to complement Kitaro's music.

At the beginning of the concert, congratulatory messages from the Governor of Kyoto Prefecture (read by Mr Kozo Hashimoto, Vice Superintendent of the Kyoto Prefectural Board of Education) and the Mayor of Kyoto City (read by Mr Toshiyuki Shimizu, Senior Policy Administrator of Education) were delivered. In spite of a tight schedule, Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa himself appeared at the end of the concert, and greeted the performers and the audience. Former astronaut Takao Doi, Program-Specific Professor at KU's Unit of Synergetic Studies for Space, Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, also spoke, delivering an inspiring message for the participating high school students.