[First Performance in Japan] A symposium by South African photography and music artists and a concert by a Grammy-winning album artist will be held on Sunday, April 19th at the modern underground hall of Higashi Honganji, one of the world's largest wooden buildings!

Msaki x Tubatsi © Kgomotso Neto

The general incorporated association KYOTOPHONIE (Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto) will hold a special program focused on South African culture and music on Sunday, April 19, 2026, set against the backdrop of Higashi Honganji, one of the world's largest wooden structures.

This program, in response to the common theme "EDGE" of the concurrent "KYOTOGRAPHIE Kyoto International Photography Festival 2026," will feature the Japan debut of South Africa's treasure, "Msaki x Tubatsi," in the underground space of the historic temple. On the same day, a free symposium featuring Siyabulela Mandela and others will be held to present a multifaceted view of contemporary South Africa. We will deliver a new artistic experience that transcends the 'edge' of borders and genres to bring harmony to a divided world.

Ticket purchase: https://kp-msaki-tubatsi.peatix.com/

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Background

In modern society, the boundaries of music and art are becoming rigid, and a decrease in genuine cross-cultural exchange has become a challenge for the industry. KYOTOPHONIE aims to dissolve cultural disconnections and serve as a bridge between Kyoto and the world by encouraging creative experiments that transcend conventional genres, venues, and formats. In 2026, responding to the theme "EDGE" of our sister event KYOTOGRAPHIE, we will expand beyond the frame of photography into the world of sound and performance. We will take on the challenge of creating a borderless musical experience that brings harmony to a divided world.

In particular, this time we focus on South Africa. Lucille Reyboz and Yusuke Nakanishi, co-representatives and co-directors of KYOTOGRAPHIE and KYOTOPHONIE, visited South Africa in the summer of 2025. Sensing the dynamic urban development and the historical background hidden within, they chose South Africa as a focus for this year's "EDGE" theme.

Symposium "South Africa In Focus" held on 4/19 (Sun)

A symposium that delves deep into the current situation and expression of South Africa will be held at the Higashi Honganji視聴覚ホール (from 1:30 PM).

Based on KYOTOGRAPHIE's theme "EDGE," a panel discussion will be held on art, history, and global topics from the perspective of four artists living in South Africa today. This is a valuable opportunity to hear the voices of those who represent South Africa, unraveling the reality of the post-apartheid era. Speakers include peace and human rights activist Siyabulela Mandela, photographers Lebohang Kganye and Pieter Hugo, curator Sean O'Toole, and musician Msaki. Journalist Gillian Wolff will serve as the moderator.

Participation is free (pre-registration required). <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow..."