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Modernization of Buddhist Music and Its
Popularization

The first prizewinners of the 14th concert ／ “Kimi ha Hitorijanai”
The first prizewinners of the 14th concert / “Kimi ha Hitorijanai”

“Modernization of Buddhist Music and Its Popularization” is one of Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai’s major activities. It is no exaggeration to say that human culture developed together with religion since ancient times. In this process, music has taken very important and supportive roles.

In Japan, religious music, such as chanting and Gagaku, enormously influenced many people throughout its long history. Although Japan was westernized after the Meiji era, the development of religious music stuck to the tradition. As a result, young people who grew up with a modern education lost their interest for religion.

Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai has been making efforts to establish a Buddhist foundation in human lives by holding the Buddhist music concert for the development of Buddhism in the future.

The Interview of the Buddhist Music Concert First Prize Winners

The 14th Buddhist Music Concert First Prize winners

History

November 28, 1977The 1st concert: “Meeting with East and West”
November 2, 1978The 2nd concert: “Echo of East and West”
March 28, 1980The 3rd concert: “Tenrai Chikyō”
May 10, 1983The 4th concert: “World Buddhist Music Festival”
June 3, 1986 The 5th concert: “World Buddhist Music Festival”
― Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai 20th Anniversary―
September 18, 1989The 6th concert: “In Praise of Śakyamuni: World Buddhist Music Festival”
―Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai 25th Anniversary―
October 1, 1990 The 7th concert: “In Praise of Śakyamuni: The Night of Music and Narration”
～The Echo of Ten Quarters～
September 30, 1997The 8th concert: “In Praise of Śakyamuni: World Buddhist Music Festival”
―Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai 30th Anniversary―
October 29, 1999The 9th concert: “In Praise of Śakyamuni: The Night of Lecture and Music”
―Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai 35th Anniversary―
September 29, 2000The 10th concert: “In Praise of Śakyamuni: The Night of Lecture and Music”
―Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai 35th Anniversary―
December 6, 2002The 11th concert: “In Praise of Śakyamuni: World Buddhist Music Festival”
―Ceremony for Restoration of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple Pipe Organ―
October 7, 2004The 12th concert: “In Praise of Śakyamuni: The Night of Lecture and Music”
―Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai 40th Anniversary and the 38th Cultural Award for the Promotion of Buddhism―
November 18, 2005The 13th concert: “In Praise of Śakyamuni: Public Performance of Music Works”
―Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai 40th Anniversary―
The theme: ITSUKUSHIMI “Loving Compassion”
November 27, 2008The 14th concert: “In Praise of Śakyamuni: Buddhist Music Festival”
～Public Performance of Music Works～
The theme: SASAEATTE “Mutually Sustaining Life”

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