Rie Asai | 浅井りえ　Koto artist based in Japan https://rieasai.com Rie Asai | Koto artist based in Japan Thu, 15 Oct 2026 07:43:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 https://rieasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-rireasai_logo-top-32x32.jpg Rie Asai | 浅井りえ　Koto artist based in Japan https://rieasai.com 32 32 Thank you very much for participating in our Shimenawa Wreath Making workshop！ https://rieasai.com/7719/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 02:26:58 +0000 https://rieasai.com/?p=7719

It was a great pleasure welcoming two guests from France to our experience today. Both of them created truly wonderful Shimenawa wreaths. We sincerely appreciate your time with us and hope it becomes a memorable part of your trip to Japan.

Japanese Floral Culture: Shimenawa Wreath Workshop for Inbound Tourists

We are pleased to announce a new workshop for all visiting tourists to Japan. Japanese Floral Culture：Shimenawa wreath workshop Japanese Floral Culture – Ikeb…

Rie Asai | 浅井りえ　Koto artist based in Japan
]]> "Connecting with Koto: Food and Children's Smiles" Charity Concert – Thank You for Your Donation https://rieasai.com/7704/ Tue, 13 Oct 2026 06:38:37 +0000 https://rieasai.com/?p=7704

Thanks to the generous support of so many people, we have raised 150,390 yen in donations. The pure and beautiful resonance of the children's heartful music was truly precious. Thank you very much for your kind support.

]]> New Blog Post by Rie Asai! Today’s theme is "Koto Charity Concert: Connecing Food and Children's Smile!" https://rieasai.com/7699/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 09:55:47 +0000 https://rieasai.com/?p=7699 Rie Asai here with a brand-new blog update!
Today's theme is "Koto Charity Concert: Connecing Food and Children's Smile!".

Koto Charity Concert: Connecing Food and Children's Smile!

Hello, this is Rie.
The charity concert is finally happening tomorrow! Yu Satoh and Mitsumi Wakayama planned this idea this summer and finally will make it tomorrow. Yu is 12 years old and Mitsumi is 7 years old and they have been working very hard to make it happen.
I am absolytely thrilled that the day is finally coming tomorrow. Let's make it amazing!

♪Koto Chikage, Rie Asai♪
Koto Chikage is a place where you will meet the authentic Japanese beauaty.
Hands-on workshops of koto, shamisen, and calligraphy are hosted here at Koto Chikage.
We are located at Nishi-ku, Nagoya-shi, JAPAN.

Koto Charity Concert: Connecing Food and Children's Smile!
https://en.kotochikage.com/Blog/Detail/2/16942

]]> New Blog Post by Rie Asai! Today’s theme is "We are welcoming guests from overseas, and they are truly delightful.". https://rieasai.com/7694/ Sun, 04 Oct 2026 13:03:25 +0000 https://rieasai.com/?p=7694 Rie Asai here with a brand-new blog update!
Today's theme is "We are welcoming guests from overseas, and they are truly delightful".

TWe are welcoming guests from overseas, and they are truly delightful.

This is Rie Asai, Koto artist.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for coming all the way to our Koto studio, Koto Chikage, here in Nagoya.
Meeting you and sharing this experience has been an absolute privilege.
I am deeply touched by the profound respect you showed toward Japanese traditional music, and talking with you was an incredibly inspiring and joyful experience for me. Knowing that many of you are also talented musicians of Western instruments makes this connection even more special. Please accept my highest respect and warmest wishes.

♪Koto Chikage, Rie Asai♪
Koto Chikage is a place where you will meet the authentic Japanese beauaty.
Hands-on workshops of koto, shamisen, and calligraphy are hosted here at Koto Chikage.
We are located at Nishi-ku, Nagoya-shi, JAPAN.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum  https://en.kotochikage.com/Blog/Detail/2/15174

]]> Calligraphy Experience https://rieasai.com/7686/ Fri, 25 Sep 2026 04:37:38 +0000 https://rieasai.com/?p=7686

We were delighted to welcome two guests from Austria for a Japanese calligraphy experience. Together, we created some truly wonderful pieces of work. Thank you very much for sharing this special time with us.

]]> Performing at the 50th Anniversary Nagoya Sankyoku Federation Regular Concert "Haru no Hibiki" https://rieasai.com/7682/ Tue, 22 Sep 2026 01:07:03 +0000 https://rieasai.com/?p=7682

As a director of the Nagoya Sankyoku Federation, Rie Asai is the deputy representative of the Koto Chikage, which is working hard to inherit Japanese tradition.

Next year will be the 50th year of establishment. To commemorate the 50th anniversary, we will do our best to deliver a great performance.

"Haru no Hibiki" (The Sound of Spring)

The 50th Regular Concert of the Nagoya Sankyoku Federation

【Date & Time】 
Sunday, February 14, 2027
Doors Open 11:30 AM, Performance Starts 12:00 PM

【Venue】
Niterra Japanese Special Ceramics Citizen's Hall Village Hall (formerly Nagoya Shimin Kaikan Naka Hall)
1-5-1 Kanayama, Naka-ku, Nagoya

AccessMAP https://maps.app.goo.gl/AhhNcEsXXEg9hSeFA

【Admission Fee】 
3,000 JPY (All seats unreserved)

【Organized by】 Nagoya Sankyoku Federation

【Ticket Information】

  • Niterra Japanese Special Ceramics Citizen's Hall TEL: 052-331-2141
  • Nagoya City Cultural Promotion Agency Ticket Guide TEL: 052-249-9387

【Supported by】 
Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefectural Board of Education, Nagoya City Cultural Promotion Agency, The Chunichi Shimbun

【Inquiries】 
Nagoya Sankyoku Federation Office
Phone: 090-3578-2771

]]> Ai Shiteimasu — Te Amo: Latin Melodies Woven with Japanese Traditions https://rieasai.com/7672/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:07:39 +0000 https://rieasai.com/?p=7672

We are delighted to announce the premiere of my new composition, “Ai Shiteimasu — Te Amo: Latin Melodies Woven with Japanese Traditions.”

This new work will receive its world premiere at the 50th Anniversary Annual Concert of the Nagoya Sankyoku Federation, performed by Koto Chikage-no-Kai.

It is a great honor and pleasure to present this new work on such a special occasion, bringing together the refined sounds of traditional Japanese instruments with the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Latin music.

]]> Program Announced: Street Performing Opening Event at Nadya Park (Yattokame Cultural Festival DOORS) https://rieasai.com/7669/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:12:55 +0000 https://rieasai.com/?p=7669 The program for the Yattokame Cultural Festival DOORS: Street Performing Opening Event at Nadya Park has officially been released!

Rie Asai and Koto Kids will perform on:

Date & Time: Saturday, October 17, from 1:40 PM

Stage: Koto Music & Shakuhachi Stage

For details, please visit the official page:

👉 Street Performing Opening at Nadya Park | Yattokame Cultural Festival DOORS

まちなか芸披露オープニングinナディアパーク | やっとかめ文化祭 DOORS

やっとかめ文化祭から、「やっとかめ文化祭DOORS」へ。なごや文化の入り口となる、いろいろな扉を用意して、これまで以上に広く、深く、このまちを案内します。

やっとかめ文化祭 DOORS

]]> In October, there is a special month with a free trial lesson of koto and shamisen https://rieasai.com/7661/ Sun, 23 Aug 2026 05:02:36 +0000 https://rieasai.com/?p=7661

October is a special month with free trial lessons for koto and shamisen.

Why don't you take this opportunity to experience traditional Japanese musical instruments?

Koto and shamisen trial lesson

From 3 years old to seniors!
No matter how old you are

Free tour and experience (about 30 minutes)Koto and shamisen are available for rentYou can participate empty-handed

[Schedule]
Consultation required *Please contact us by e-mail

【Koto Chikage】
〒451-0025
1-1-14 Kami-Nagoya, Nishi-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefectur

Email: rieasai@gmail.com

]]> Connecting Smiles and Meals for Children through the Koto~ Charity Concert ~ https://rieasai.com/7655/ Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:12:35 +0000 https://rieasai.com/?p=7655

Connecting Smiles and Meals for Children through the Koto

~ Charity Concert ~

[Date & Time]
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM

[Venue]
Nagoya Noh Theater, Rehearsal Room (Keikoshitsu)

[Admission = Donation Ticket]
¥500 / ¥1,000

[Organizer]
"Connecting Smiles and Meals for Children through the Koto" Koto Kids Executive Committee

TEL: 080-4833-1211

[Supported by]
Koto Chikage

"Connecting Smiles and Meals for Children through the Koto" Charity Concert

In the summer of 2026, we held a Koto Summer Camp on Himaka Island.

While talking with Mr. Rozan (originally from Nepal), who taught us English there, we learned that in his hometown in Nepal, many children suffer from poverty and struggle to get enough to eat.

Afterward, when we looked into the current situation facing children in Japan, we discovered that many children here in Japan are also suffering from hunger.

Learning about this reality made me feel very sad.

And I started thinking: "What can I do to help solve this sad situation?"

I wondered if I could help ease the sadness of these children through the music of the koto, something I am good at playing.

The koto is an instrument of prayer.

In October 2023, when I was in 3rd grade, I joined the Vatican Peace Music Delegation. I rang the Kagura-suzu (sacred shinto bells) at Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and offered prayers for peace. I was also able to see Pope Francis, even though it was from a distance.

Through music, I saw people from all over the world coming together to discuss how to build peace, and I realized they were deeply asking themselves, "What can I do?"

I love the koto, and this year marks my 6th year of practicing it.

Now, I want to support children who are feeling sad because of hunger by performing the koto.

When I searched online for ways to actually help, I learned that support can be provided in the form of "donations."

That's when I learned about the CBC Charity Fund.

The CBC Charity Fund supports children through food initiatives. Its theme is "Connecting Children's Smiles Through Meals."

I decided to hold this charity concert with the goal of "Connecting Smiles and Meals for Children through the Koto." I will do my best so that many children can smile again.

Won't you join us in supporting the children who are feeling sad and hungry?

Executive Committee Chairperson: Yuwa Sato・Seiga

To all the children who cannot get enough to eat:

You must be going through a hard time, but I hope we can bring strength to you through our koto playing and traditional dance. Please wait for us!

Vice Executive Committee Chairperson: Mitsumi Wakayama・Fuga

]]>