Two Days of Light and Music at the Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property Nezu Shrine — Cultural Experience Festival 'Wrapping The Earth' Concludes

The cultural experience festival 'Wrapping The Earth in Nezu Shrine (Nezu Shrine Special Performance 2026)' concluded after two days of events, welcoming many attendees to a fully free cultural experience program held at Nezu Shrine, a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property.

Highlights included GACKT's calligraphy exhibition and 'ONE WORLD Calligraphy' supervised by Toshiichi Yoshikawa, live performances by May J. and Kucci at the Kagura Den (sacred dance hall), projection mapping on the main gate, and AI literacy experiences.

Held free of charge to ensure cultural access for all, the event fulfilled its mission of 'Weaving Cultural Encounters and Connecting to Future Generations.' The foundation behind the event will carry forward the connections formed during this performance to a charity event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the University of Tokyo, to be held on October 18, 2026, at Yasuda Auditorium.

The main gate and moon bathed in blue light — projection mapping (direction: Akira Hasegawa, 'Digital Hanging Scroll').

Chronos Preservation Foundation, a public interest foundation dedicated to cultural preservation, hosted the cultural experience program 'Wrapping The Earth in Nezu Shrine (Nezu Shrine Special Performance 2026)' on May 23 (Sat) and 24 (Sun), 2026, at Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo City, Tokyo — a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property.

All programs were offered free of charge, with gates opening at 2:00 PM and closing at 8:30 PM each day, attracting visitors of all generations to the shrine grounds. Insights gained from this event will be carried forward to the University of Tokyo’s 150th Anniversary Charity Event at Yasuda Auditorium on October 18, 2026.

'Encounters: History and Emotion Connecting People' — this phrase, the theme of the event, resonated deeply with many who visited the shrine grounds over the two days.

Beyond simply 'preserving' culture, the event aimed to 'weave it into the future.' It was also an initiative to unite the foundation’s three public missions — cultural arts, next-generation education, and preservation activities — within a single sacred space.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, performers, collaborators, and stakeholders, including Nezu Shrine and Bunkyo City.

The Kagura Den and main gate — a gathering place for many over the two days.

Day 1 (May 23, Saturday) Highlights

Immediately after opening at 2:00 PM, the University of Tokyo Foersterwerk Orchestra began performing on the shrine grounds. At 3:30 PM, singer-songwriter Kucci held a public rehearsal for fans.

Kucci performing at the Kagura Den (May 23)

From 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM, Olympic and World Athletics medalist and men’s 200m Japanese record holder Shingo Suetsugu and junior high school girls’ 100m national record holder (11.57 seconds) Miwa Miyoshi held a public dialogue at the Kagura Den, discussing 'legacy and future challenges' across generations.

Shingo Suetsugu (right) and Miwa Miyoshi (left) during the public dialogue (May 23, Kagura Den)

At 5:00 PM, Kucci took the Kagura Den stage for the main performance, joined by supporter Aya Nakashima. The trio delivered a 45-minute performance that deeply connected fans and performers.

Kucci performing with a three-member ensemble (May 23)

Kucci singing with guitar in hand (May 23, Kagura Den main performance)

Aya Nakashima joining Kucci’s stage as a guest supporter (May 23, Kagura Den)

Major media outlets covered the event on the same day.

[Featured Media]

- Chunichi Sports / Tokyo Chunichi Sports

https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/1255813?shem=rimspwouoe,

- Sanspo

https://www.sanspo.com/article/20260523-44BCRVIPJRPSLBB7T7W4MILCEE/?shem=rimspwouoe,

- Sponichi Annex

https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2026/05/23/gazo/20260523s10041000284000p.html

- Daily Sports Online

https://share.google/pjAUkCy6lmSZE2nmH

- Yahoo! News

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/926310d2b962abe565f41a8309481078c51d5874

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/35c60a8e2e622e5d0287e18cec168946cd600536?shem=rimspwouoe,

At 6:00 PM, Bunkyo Ward Mayor Kensei Fukuda, along with Suetsugu and Miyoshi, held the opening ceremony. As dusk fell, light illuminated the 320-year-old main gate (built in 1706 by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi), filling the shrine grounds with cheers.

Opening ceremony with Mayor Kensei Fukuda, Shingo Suetsugu, and Miwa Miyoshi

Day 2 (May 24, Sunday) Highlights

The second day, blessed with favorable weather, featured a 20-minute special live performance by singer May J. at the Kagura Den starting at 5:40 PM, alongside music producer Ryosuke Imai (known for Namie Amuro’s 'Hero,' the official NHK theme for the 2016 Rio Olympics). They performed 'Let It Go' from Disney’s 'Frozen' and 'Darling You,' the theme song from the film 'Falling in Love with a Z-List Director in Brooklyn,' co-created by Imai. The voices filled the sacred forest of the 1,900-year-old shrine, with the audience surrounding the Kagura Den gazing up in unison.

May J. performing at the Kagura Den special live (May 24 / Music Production: Ryosuke Imai)

Over 1,000 attendees surrounded the Kagura Den

· May J.'s comment

Despite being a mini-live, I was surprised and deeply moved by how many people stopped to listen.

It was an unforgettable moment.

Overall MC: Marika Sera (hosted both days)

Marika Sera as overall MC, hosting both days (May 24)

Marika Sera served as the overall MC for both days, seamlessly connecting diverse programs — from the University of Tokyo Foersterwerk Orchestra’s opening performance to Kagura Den live acts, public dialogues, and the opening ceremony — guiding visitors through a cohesive shrine experience. Her dynamic hosting, moving between the Kagura Den and the shrine grounds, helped warm the atmosphere throughout the two days, enriching visitors’ memories.

Shrine Tree Art Workshop (May 24 / May J. participation session)

May J. creating art with participants at the Shrine Tree Art Workshop (May 24)

On May 24 (Sunday), a participatory art workshop was held in the afternoon, where attendees placed their hands on the sacred tree to create personalized ema (votive tablets) and keepsakes. Special guests May J. and Ryosuke Imai joined the session. With support from Adobe Inc. and YUCO, digital technology merged with traditional craftsmanship, and projection mapping based on participants’ designs was displayed.

Main Gate Projection Mapping (both days, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)

Colorful dance of light on the main gate projection mapping