"Together, We Journey Far and Wide" — Symphony Kūkai Resonates with Japanese Audiences
- Tianguzhiyin
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
July 14, 2025
On July 9 and 11, 2025, the Japanese performances of the symphony Kūkai were grandly held at The Symphony Hall in Osaka and the Rexxam Hall in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, as part of the co-creation program of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. The soul-stirring melodies connected the hearts of people, evoking a profound response and deep emotion.
This performance marked a pioneering collaboration between artists from China and Japan, organized by Beijing Tian Gu Zhi Yin Cultural Media Co., Ltd. Renowned Japanese conductor Kosuke Tsunoda led the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra, joined by the Central Conservatory of Music Choir from China, to create an artistic celebration born from sincere cultural exchange between the two nations.
Prior to the Osaka concert, a reception was held where remarks were made by Xu Jian, Consul General of China in Osaka; Yasunobu Ikegawa, Chief Abbot of the Shingon Sect of Kōyasan; Hayato Watari, Cultural Attaché of the Japanese Embassy in China; and Yue Yongde, representative of the organizing body, Beijing Tian Gu Zhi Yin. In Kagawa, Governor Toyohito Ikeda met with representatives from Tian Gu Zhi Yin, the China Central Conservatory of Music Choir, and the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra, expressing high expectations for the concert in a region associated with Kūkai and a desire for deeper exchanges between China and Kagawa through this visit and performance.
The performances in Japan were held at two venues, offering a total of 3,500 free seats as non-profit concerts. Attendees included Kōyasan's 519th Chief Abbot Seiji En, the 58th Chief Priest of Zentsū-ji Temple Chōjun Suga, Chief Administrator of Miidera Temple Toshihiko Fukaya, Director of Osaka Prefecture's International Exchange Division Hiroshi Ichisaka, Osaka Prefectural Assembly Member Toshiko Nakano, Chief of Kagawa Prefecture Governor's Office Kazuhiro Uematsu, Director of Kagawa Prefecture Governor's Office International Division Yoshimasa Doi, Deputy Director of Shiga Prefecture Governor's Office Masaya Murata, renowned conductor Norichika Iimori, and historian Professor Han Sheng, among many others from the cultural community. Additionally, representatives from several participating country pavilions of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the Osaka Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Osaka Chinese Business Association, alumni associations from universities such as Kyoto University, Kansai University, and Fudan University, as well as representatives from the academic communities of China and Japan, were present.
The symphony Kūkai was composed by Zou Ye in 2023, produced by Beijing Tian Gu Zhi Yin Cultural Media Co., Ltd. The work commemorates the 1250th anniversary of the birth of Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai) and the 45th anniversary of the Japan-China Peace and Friendship Treaty. The composition beautifully expresses Kōbō Daishi's vast wisdom, boundless compassion, and his grand vow of "saving all beings" and "coexistence for the benefit of others." The music brought ultimate auditory experiences, gentle and peaceful emotions, and stirred the souls of many audience members, moving them to tears. In the final movement, the vow "When the void is exhausted, when all beings are exhausted, when Nirvana is exhausted, my vow shall also be exhausted" was resoundingly played, and the hymn soared to the heavens, deeply touching the hearts of listeners. After the performance, enthusiasm overflowed, with prolonged applause and cheers echoing in the venue for several minutes, and the audience remained seated, enveloped in the lingering resonance. Conductor Tsunoda also expressed his genuine feelings, saying, "I wish I could continue conducting this piece."
Xu Jian, Consul General of China in Osaka, remarked at the reception:
"In the new era of China-Japan relations, the most important thing is how to shorten the distance between people's hearts. Outstanding works like the symphony Kūkai will become a great force in deepening the bond between China and Japan, making it deeper and longer-lasting."
Yasunobu Ikegawa, Chief Abbot of the Shingon Sect of Kōyasan, stated after the performance:
"The symphony Kūkai places the great vow of Kōbō Daishi in the final movement, and that consistent spirit flowed throughout the entire piece. The wish of Kōbō Daishi to dedicate his life to all people was well expressed through the work."
Hayato Watari, Cultural Attaché of the Japanese Embassy in China, read Ambassador Kenji Kanesugi's congratulatory message, stating:
"The symphony Kūkai has made a significant contribution to promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the peoples of China and Japan. We sincerely hope that this work, as a symphony themed on an important figure in the history of China-Japan exchange, will transcend time, language, and borders, becoming a bridge connecting the hearts of people in both countries and the world."
The symphony Kūkai is part of the co-creation program of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, aiming to use music to harmonize diverse differences and resonate with the hearts of humanity. The Expo's theme, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," advocates the idea of "saving lives, empowering lives, and connecting lives." This resonates deeply with the teachings of "compassion and altruism" preached by Kōbō Daishi 1,200 years ago. Kōbō Daishi cared for all lives, made an endless vow, and wished to continue supporting people. His spirit gave rise to the unique Japanese belief culture of "Dōgyō Ninin" (two traveling together), which still resonates with many people's hearts across time and space, providing light and strength, opening hearts, and fostering dialogue and harmony.
The organizer, Tian Gu Zhi Yin, has been actively promoting cultural exchange at the grassroots level through the world tour of the symphony Kūkai over the past two years. Performances in London and Auckland have resonated with the souls of many audiences across borders, stirring their hearts. This is a spiritual revelation left by Kōbō Daishi, transcending a millennium, and the symphony Kūkai is a new form of artistic creation and international exchange through coexistence, collaboration, and dialogue of the heart. It aims to recreate the grand history of mutual exchange between Chinese and foreign cultures and between Eastern and Western civilizations, contributing to the prosperity and advancement of world culture.
