[Japan Premiere] Symposium by South African Photography and Music Artists and Concert by Grammy Award Album Production Artist to be held on Sunday, April 19th in the modern underground hall of Higashi Honganji, one of the world's largest wooden structures!

Msaki x Tubatsi © Kgomotso Neto

General Incorporated Association KYOTOPHONIE (Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City) will hold a special program focusing on South African culture and music on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Higashi Honganji, one of the world's largest wooden structures.

This program, in response to the common theme "EDGE" of the concurrently held "KYOTOGRAPHIE Kyoto International Photography Festival 2026", will feature the Japan premiere of South Africa's treasure "Msaki x Tubatsi" in the underground space of a historic temple. On the same day, a free symposium welcoming Sibulele Mandela and others will also be held, conveying the present of South Africa from multiple perspectives. We will deliver a new artistic experience that transcends the "edges" of borders and genres, bringing harmony to a divided world.

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

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Background of Implementation

In modern society, the boundaries of music and art have become fixed, and a decrease in genuine cross-cultural exchange is an industry challenge. KYOTOPHONIE aims to resolve cultural disconnect and become a bridge connecting Kyoto and the world by promoting creative experiments that go beyond the frameworks of conventional genres, venues, and formats. In 2026, in response to the theme "EDGE" of its sister event KYOTOGRAPHIE, it will expand the world of sound and performance beyond photography. We challenge ourselves to create a borderless musical experience that brings harmony to a divided world.

Among them, 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, felt the dynamic urban development and the underlying historical context, and chose South Africa as one of the focuses for this year's theme "EDGE".

Symposium on April 19 (Sun): "South Africa In Focus"

A symposium that delves deeply into the current situation and expressions of South Africa will be held in the Higashi Honganji Audiovisual Hall (starting from 1:30 PM).

Based on KYOTOGRAPHIE's theme "EDGE", a panel discussion will be held on art, history, and global topics from the perspectives of four artists living in South Africa today. This is a valuable opportunity to hear the voices of leading South Africans unraveling the realities of the post-Apartheid era. Speakers include peace and human rights activist Sibulele Mandela, photographers Lebohang Kanye and Pieter Hugo, curator Sean O'Toole, and musician Msaki. Journalist Jillian Wolf will moderate.

Participation is free (advance registration required).