Sakura Otoyo in Kyoto: Pianist Budo and Singer Hiroya Ozaki to Perform on April 2nd - "Looking forward to a special day"

The "Heian Jingu Sakura Otoyo" (organized by the Sakura Otoyo Executive Committee, which includes The Kyoto Shimbun) has been a beloved event coloring Kyoto's spring since 1989. In 2026, it will be held for five days from April 1st to April 5th at Heian Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.

During the event, the Otenmon Gate, Daigokuden Hall, Nanshin-en Garden, and Toshin-en Garden will be specially illuminated at night, with the magnificent shrine buildings and weeping cherry blossoms adorning the spring Kyoto night. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and listen to live music by artists by the Seihō Pond in the Toshin-en Garden.

Performers on the 2nd will be Budo and Hiroya Ozaki. We asked them about their enthusiasm.

Budo: "I want to deliver a new breeze for one night only"

Pianist Budo, who is performing for the second consecutive year, will have his first collaboration with singer-songwriter Hiroya Ozaki, a long-held wish.

He says that in his teens, he was inspired by the songs of Hiroya's father, Yutaka Ozaki, and listened to them the most. "I am convinced that being able to play Yutaka Ozaki's masterpieces under the full bloom of cherry blossoms with Hiroya-san, who inherits that spirit and sings for today, will be a major turning point and a special day in my musical life," he said passionately.

Above all, he stated that as a fellow musician, he has been strongly stimulated by Hiroya Ozaki's free expressiveness. "I want to blow a new and unprecedented wind onto the historic stage of Heian Shrine by overlapping the sound of classical music, which is my background, with Hiroya-san's singing voice," he said ambitiously.

"Please come and enjoy this special 'ONE DAY' for one night only."

Hiroya Ozaki: "A luxurious time that will never come again"

"Listening to music while gazing at cherry blossoms is a very luxurious time, unique to Japan. Cherry blossoms bloom every year, but the scenery and atmosphere of that moment are never the same twice. Music is the same. There are things that can only be born in that place, on that day." Singer-songwriter Hiroya Ozaki is eagerly awaiting his collaboration with Budo.

He is the son of Yutaka Ozaki, who garnered fervent support from young people and died prematurely. While working on his own live performances and music production, he continues the project "OZAKI PLAYS OZAKI," delivering his father's songs with his own interpretation to the current era.

"I believe that music is something that is passed down from person to person, and from era to era. I would be happy if I could connect to the next era by creating new music through my own voice and expression." He intends to sing with gratitude to the audience gathered at Sakura Otoyo.

"Sakura Otoyo" Held for 5 Days Starting April 1st

FAQ

What is the "Heian Jingu Sakura Otoyo" event and when will it be held in 2026?

The "Heian Jingu Sakura Otoyo" is a beloved event that colors Kyoto's spring, and in 2026, it will take place for five days from April 1st to April 5th at Heian Shrine in Kyoto City.

What special nighttime illuminations can visitors expect at the event?

During the event, the Otenmon Gate, Daigokuden Hall, Nanshin-en Garden, and Toshin-en Garden will be specially illuminated at night, showcasing the magnificent shrine buildings and weeping cherry blossoms.

Which artists are scheduled to perform on April 2nd at the "Heian Jingu Sakura Otoyo"?

On April 2nd, the performers will be the pianist Budo and the singer Hiroya Ozaki.

What is Budo's motivation for his performance with Hiroya Ozaki?

Budo, performing for the second consecutive year, is excited for his first collaboration with Hiroya Ozaki, aiming to deliver a new and unprecedented wind by blending classical music with Ozaki's singing voice on the historic stage.

How does Hiroya Ozaki describe the experience of listening to music under cherry blossoms?

Hiroya Ozaki describes listening to music while gazing at cherry blossoms as a very luxurious and uniquely Japanese experience, emphasizing that while cherry blossoms bloom annually, the specific scenery and atmosphere of each moment are never the same twice, much like music.

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