Walking Together As One: Symphony Kūkai Awakens a Resonance of the Human Spirit in Japan

Walking Together As One: Symphony Kūkai Awakens a Resonance of the Human Spirit in Japan

On July 9th and 11th, as an official co-creation project of Expo 2025 Osaka, Symphony Kūkai resounded through The Symphony Hall in Osaka and the Rexxam Hall in Kagawa. Its soul-stirring movements transcended language and culture, touching hearts and igniting waves of emotion and wonder.

This tour was hosted by Beijing Tianguzhiyin Culture & Media Co., Ltd., and marked a profound artistic collaboration between China and Japan. Under the baton of renowned Japanese conductor Kosuke Tsunoda, the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra joined the China Central Conservatory of Music Choir to bring forth a transcendent musical encounter—an artistic offering born of sincerity and shared cultural spirit between the two nations.

Prior to the Osaka performance, a reception was held, where remarks were delivered by Consul General Xue Jian from China’s Consulate in Osaka, Taishin Imagawa, Head of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhism Temple Office, Hayato Watarai of the Embassy of Japan in China, and Yue Yongde, representative of Beijing Tianguzhiyin. On the eve of the Kagawa performance, Governor Toyohito Ikeda warmly received representatives from Tianguzhiyin, the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra, and the China Central Conservatory of Music Choir, expressing heartfelt anticipation for the concert to be held in Kūkai’s birthplace. He shared his hope that this visit and performance might serve as a bridge for a deepening exchange between China and Kagawa.

The two charitable performances welcomed a combined audience of 3500, filling every seat with anticipation and reverence. The events drew a distinguished assembly, including Shōjien, 519th Chief Administrator of Mount Kōya; Chijun Suga, the 58th Head Abbot of Zentsūji Temple; Toshihiko Fuke, the Abbot of Miidera Temple,; Hirofumi Ichisaka, Director of International Affairs for Osaka Prefecture; Toshiko Nakano, Osaka Prefectural Assembly member; Kazuhiro Uematsu, Director of the Governor’s Office of Kagawa Prefecture; Yoshimasa Doi, Director of International Affairs of Kagawa; Masaya Murata, Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Shiga Prefecture; along with celebrated conductor Norichika Iimori and noted historian Professor Han Sheng. Cultural and academic representatives from across China and Japan also gathered, including delegates from national pavilions of Expo 2025, the Federation of Chinese Associations in Shikoku, the Osaka Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, alumni associations from leading universities, and faculty and students from institutions such as Kyoto University, Kansai University, and Fudan University.

Created in 2023, Symphony Kūkai is a joint artistic endeavor between Beijing Tianguzhiyin Culture & Media Co., Ltd. and the esteemed composer Zou Ye. The symphony honored the 1250th anniversary of Kūkai's birth—a symbol of exemplary cultural exchange between China and Japan. The work seamlessly weaves Kūkai’s boundless wisdom, immeasurable compassion, and grand vow to serve all sentient beings into a transcendent musical tapestry. Whether through moments of serenity and clarity or crescendos of spiritual exhilaration, the symphony offered a profound listening experience. Many in the audience were moved to tears, their hearts awakened and spirits uplifted. The final movement culminates in Kūkai’s eternal vow:

“Should space be exhausted, should all beings perish, should Nirvana cease—only then shall my vow be fulfilled.” The triumphant chorus soared skyward, resonating through the hall with overwhelming grandeur and intensity. Thunderous applause erupted at the close, lasting well over ten minutes as the audience lingered, reluctant to part. “I only wished I could keep conducting forever,” conductor Tsunoda reflected afterward.

As one of the co-creation initiatives of Expo 2025 Osaka, Symphony Kūkai aspires to harmonize cultural differences through music and awaken a universal resonance within the human spirit. The Expo’s vision—"Designing Future Society for Our Lives," "Saving Lives," "Empowering Lives," and "Connecting Lives"—echoes Kūkai’s own timeless commitment to compassion and healing from over a thousand years ago. Rooted in his vow to walk alongside all sentient beings, the Japanese tradition of “Dōgyō Ninin” (Two Traveling Together) was born—a belief that Kūkai’s presence transcends time, guiding each soul with light and strength. In this spirit, the symphony opens hearts and forges peaceful, meaningful connections.