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ACTIVITY INFORMATION

    The Yutang Qin Society 1st Anniversary Commemoration Choyo Qin Gathering

    The Yutang Qin Society 1st Anniversary Commemoration Choyo Qin Gathering

    Why not spend a moment of deep autumn with the elegant melody of the Guqin (Seven-string Zither)?

    Overview
    Date & Time: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 18:00 Doors Open / 18:20 Start
    Venue: Shoseikaku, Higo-Hosokawa Garden, 1-1-22 Mejirodai, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

    Participation Fee: Free
    Capacity: 25 people (Advance reservation required, first-come, first-served)
    The capacity has been reached and applications are now closed.
    Please look forward to next year's Seimei Qin Gathering.

    Access
    Train: 15-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line "Edogawabashi Station" Exit 1a.
    For other access details, please check the official Shoseikaku website: https://higo-hosokawa-bunkyo.jp

    Application Method:
    Please apply by email (Reservations are closed): yutangqinshe@gmail.com
    Please use the subject line "Choyo Qin Gathering Application" and include your name in the body of the email.
    If applying for multiple people, please provide the names of all attendees.

    Information and Requests
    The venue has tatami flooring, so no chair seating is available.
    Once the capacity is reached, registration will be closed. (Those without a reservation will not be admitted.)
    Please refrain from taking photos or making recordings during the performance.
    Please enjoy a fulfilling autumn evening with the sound of the Guqin resonating in a tranquil space.

    Organizer:
    The Yutang Qin Society

    　


    "Qin Heart Across the Four Seas"
    - 15th Collaborative Gathering to Commemorate
    the 130th Birthday of Mr. Zha Fuxi
    Tokyo, Japan · Yutang Qin Society

    四海琴心雅集

    This is the largest Guqin (Seven-string Zither) continuous weekly gathering,
    commemorating the 130th birthday of Zha Fuxi,
    a representative Qin player of the 20th century,
    and organized in collaboration with 62 Qin societies across China and overseas.
    Please read → Gathering Purpose (Japanese translation and original Chinese text)

    The memorable first session in Beijing started on Sunday, April 20th, at 14:00 Beijing time.
    Various gatherings commemorating Mr. Zha Fuxi will continue until the end of the year
    (Chinese domestic societies are live online, and overseas societies are pre-recorded and distributed).
    The Yutang Qin Society, Tokyo, is the only participant from Japan.

    ★The recording of this event has been distributed since the afternoon of Sunday, July 13, 2025,
    on the official WeChat platform "Zha Fuxi Guqin Research"
    and The Yutang Qin Society's Youtube channel.
    Please watch from the links below.

    The 15th Session | Tokyo, Japan · Yutang Qin Society
    [Japanese Version]
    → Activity Announcement (and Performer Introduction)
    → Activity Review (and Gathering Recording Video)
    [Chinese Version]
    →Activity Announcement (and Performer Introduction)
    →Activity Review (and Gathering Video)

    ┈୨୧┈୨୧┈

    The Yutang Qin Society Organized
    Commemorative Gathering for the 130th Birthday of Mr. Zha Fuxi,
    the 3rd Anniversary of Mr. Sakata Shinichi's Death,
    and the 1st Anniversary of Mr. Hieda Hiroo's Death

    "Mr. Zha Fuxi and the Japanese Guqin"

    Chapter 1: Reproduction of Mr. Zha Fuxi's 1958 Japan Performance
    - Zha Fuxi and the Young Sakata Shinichi
    Program:
    Three Variations of Plum Blossoms (梅花三弄), Wild Geese Descending on a Sandy Beach (平沙落雁), Moon Over the Mountain Pass (関山月), and Mists and Clouds Over the Xiao and Xiang Rivers (瀟湘水雲).

    Chapter 2: Mr. Zha Fuxi's Research on Japanese Qin Studies
    Program:
    Qin songs "Waves Washing the Sand (浪淘沙)" and "Plum Branch (梅枝)" from the characteristics of Japanese Qin studies: Donggao Qinpu (東皐琴譜) and Yutang Qinpu (玉堂琴譜).

    —Break: Tea and Sweets Provided—
    Chapter 3: Tea Talk and Free Guqin Exchange (Scheduled to end at 3:30 PM)

    Time:
    Sunday, June 29, 2025, 1:20 PM Reception Starts, 1:40 PM Start

    Location:
    Saishotei (彩翔亭) (Tea Room in Tokyo Suburbs)
    (1-13 Namiki, Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park, Tokorozawa City)
    - 10-minute walk from Kōkū-kōen Station

    東屋から彩翔亭遠望


    Participation Fee: 1,000 JPY
    (Includes tea room usage fee, tea, and sweets; payable on the day)
    Reservation required!
    (Capacity of 15 people reached and closed. Entry will be refused to those without a reservation.)

    Application email:
    yutangqinshe@gmail.com

    　

Activities for The Yutang Qin Society in 2025
Scheduled February: New Year's Party, Preparation of Seimei Qin Gathering repertoire.
March: Qiuyue's lecture "On the Dapu (Transcription) of the Donggao Qinpu."
Spring: Seimei Qin Gathering
Summer: Qin Gathering on "Qin Heart Across the Four Seas"
Autumn: Choyo Qin Gathering


    Review of The Yutang Qin Society and Member's Qin Studies Activities in 2024

    Jan 18 Qiuyue's lecture "On the Literati Artist Uragami Gyokudo: Using his Qin, Poetry, Calligraphy, and Painting as Examples" Graduate School of Letters, Toyo University @ Hakusan Campus, Toyo University
    Jun 23 Qiuyue's lecture "On Uragami Gyokudo's Saibara," at the Association for Ethnic Culture Hosted by Professor Emeritus Haruo Suwa of Gakushuin University @ Akasaka Mayu Building
    Jul 14 Small Gathering Saishotei
    Aug 26 Attended the funeral of the late Qin scholar Mr. Hieda Hiroo (1945-2024) Mihama, Chiba
    Sep 6 Tokyo Gathering of the Zide Qin Society, including Bai Wuxia Waseda Hoshien
    Sep 24 Investigation of Ming Qin and Ming/Qing Calligraphy and Painting Ho Chong Shing Calligraphy Foundation, Taipei
    Sep 25 Li Kongyuan Qin Talk Bairao Qinyuan, Taipei
    Sep 26 Small Gathering Yuan Zhongping's Qindao Hall, Yangmingshan, Taipei
    Sep 27 Tang/Song Qin Gathering "Ancient Rhyme Forever" Huang Dechuan Tongya Qin Room, Taipei
    Sep 28 Appreciation of Calligraphy and Painting with a Calligraphy Professor from National Tsing Hua University National Palace Museum, Taipei
    Sep 29 Informal talk with a Calligraphy Researcher from the National Palace Museum, Taipei Shilin, Taipei
    Oct 5 Choyo Qin Gathering Saishotei
    Oct 25 Informal talk with the traditional Chinese musician Ms. Tang Hua Tokyo
    Oct 31 Dinner with the chairman of Ho Chong Shing Foundation and visit to Tokyo National Museum Ueno
    Nov 4 Investigation of the former residences of Zhu Shunshui and Donggao Xinyue. Qiuyue gave a brief lecture on "Donggao Xinyue's Qin Studies" to the 15th head of the Mito Tokugawa family, Mr. Tokugawa Nari-masa, Chairman Mito and Seizanso, Tokugawa Museum, Mito

    Qiuyue Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@qiuyue7
    2024 YouTube Uploads: Dapu (Transcription) and Performed Pieces by Qiuyue (Total 26 pieces)
    From Donggao Qinpu (東皐琴譜): Qin Songs: Feng Wu Ming Pei, Lang Tao Sha, Ming Feng Chao Yang, Xiang Si Qu; Guqin Piece: Jing Guan Yin.
    From Yutang Qinpu (玉堂琴譜): Saibara Pieces: Azumaya, Koromo Gae, Takasago, Nezumi, Wagoma, Asamizubashi, Mimasaka, MaKana Buki, Shitada, Tanaka I, Kii no Su, Iseumi, Sakurabito, Aoyagi.
    Guqin Piece: Meihua San Nong (Three Variations of Plum Blossoms).

    Yutang Qin Society Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@yutangqinshe
    Liu Shui (Flowing Water) (Directly transmitted from Mr. Guan Pinghu and Mr. Wang Di).
    From Donggao Qinpu (東皐琴譜): Guqin Piece: Gao Shan (High Mountain); Qin Song: Hua Qing Yin.
    From Yutang Qinpu (玉堂琴譜): Saibara Piece: Kii no Su.
    From Yuwu Qinpu (玉梧琴譜): Han Gong Qiu.
    From Chong Xiu Zhen Chuan Qin Pu (重修真伝琴譜): Qin Song: Yu Ge Diao.

    　

GALLERY

YOUTUBE

October 5, 2024 Choyo Qin Gathering Short Video
For a longer video, please visit
→ the Yutang Qin Society Channel.

GENESIS

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern society, the thirst for traditional culture is growing stronger. The Guqin (Seven-string Zither) is a treasure of the East Asian cultural sphere that originated in China, serving not merely as a musical instrument but as a guide for the cultivation of mind and body. It is to propagate this ancient art that we have proceeded with the establishment of The Yutang Qin Society (玉堂琴社).

The Origin
The impetus for establishing The Yutang Qin Society, Tokyo, lies in the shared aspiration of several Guqin enthusiasts. We met in Tokyo as lovers of the Guqin and, through the exchange of music, deeply felt the art's significance in contemporary society. Through the Society's establishment, we aim to provide a venue where more people can learn, exchange, and experience the art of the Guqin.

The Founder
The main founder of the Society is Mr. Qiuyue. He possesses profound knowledge and mastery in the Guqin and has continuously dedicated himself to the dissemination and transmission of Guqin culture. Under his proposal, the Society was established, attracting a solid circle of fellow Qin enthusiasts.

The Meaning of the Name
After much discussion, we decided to name the Society "Yutang Qin Society" (玉堂琴社). "Yutang" (玉堂) is the gō (art name) of Uragami Gyokudō, a representative Japanese literati artist. At the same time, this name not only signifies elegance and purity but also expresses our reverence and affection for the ancient art of the Guqin.
Furthermore, in Chinese, "Qi-yu" (琦玉), meaning "admirable jade," shares the same pronunciation as "Saitama" (埼玉), making it a fitting name since the initial gatherings were held in Saitama Prefecture and hinting at future connections with the regional culture.

Future Outlook
The establishment of The Yutang Qin Society is merely the beginning. Moving forward, we plan to gradually build upon our Qin meetings and gatherings (Yaji), invite renowned Guqin masters for lectures, and provide a space for interaction and learning among Guqin enthusiasts. Through these activities, we hope to further popularize Guqin culture and convey the charm of this ancient art to a wider audience. In the future, we aspire for The Yutang Qin Society to become a spiritual home for Guqin lovers, witnessing the art's transmission and development together.

MEMBER

Qiuyue (秋月琴士)
秋月 彈琴 Art Historian. Co-founder of The Yutang Qin Society.
Biography
Raised in the Tama region of Tokyo. Graduated from Kunitachi High School (Tokyo Metropolitan).
Completed the Japanese and East Asian Art History major at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
Completed the Art History Class and the Master's Program in the Jia Youfu Landscape Workshop at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing.
Specialized in the Doctoral Program in Art Studies (Calligraphy Course) at the Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba.
From 1991–1999, was in charge of the editer of the reproduction project of national treasure calligraphy and paintings from the Taipei Palace Museum at Nigensha Publishing Co., Ltd. Reference article from that time (published in Nikkei Art, May 1998).
Taught Art History at the College of Art, Nihon University, and the Graduate School of Letters, Toyo University.
Main research themes include literati culture in Japan and China, focusing on Qin (Guqin), Poetry, Calligraphy, and Painting.
Example: Basic research on Xu Wei, "Regarding Xu Wei's Private Seals for Calligraphy and Painting and the Chronology of his Works" (Chinese PDF), published in the Proceedings of the Academic Symposium on Calligraphy and Painting of Qing Teng and Bai Yang, Palace Museum Press, Beijing, 2015.
Qin History
Joined the Tokyo Qin Society (東京琴社) upon entering the Graduate School of Tokyo University of the Arts and studied the Guqin (Seven-string Zither) under Mr. Sakata Shinichi.
While studying abroad in Beijing, studied the Guqin under Ms. Wang Di (1926-2005), a direct disciple of Guan Pinghu.
Received personal instruction from various Qin masters of the "Literati Qin" lineage in China, including Dr. Wu Wenguang (1946–) and Mr. Li Fan (1914-2007) in Beijing, Mr. Cheng Gongliang (1940-2015) and Mr. Lü Jianfu (Lao Tong) in Nanjing, Mr. Lin Youren (1938-2013) in Shanghai, Ms. Xu Xiaoying (1937-2016) in Hangzhou, and Dr. Xie Junren (1949–) in Hong Kong.
Date Activity Details
Jul 1995 Guqin International Exchange Conference Chengdu: Presented Ai Nai and the dapu (transcription) of the Qin Song Chang Xiang Si.
Nov 2000 Sino-Japanese Qin Studies Symposium Hangzhou: Presented the dapu of the Qin Song Chang Xiang Si.
Aug 2001 4th Guqin Dapu Meeting Changshu: Presented the dapu of Shen Pin Gu Xi Yi, Fei Ming Yin, Qiu Hong, and Han Gong Qiu.
Nov 2002 Qiuyue Guqin Solo Recital "Cage, Guqin, and Landscape Painting" at WINDS GALLERY, Tokyo (WINDS CAFE 71).
Sep 2009 Academic Symposium Macau Museum of Art: Performed the Qin Song Chang Xiang Si and presented research: "Donggao Xinyue and Uragami Gyokudō's Calligraphy and Painting in the Yuan Zhong Circle—Using their Qin, Poetry, Calligraphy, and Painting as Examples" (Chinese PDF).
Oct 2012 Toyo University Traditional Culture Lecture "The Full Range of Instruments in The Tale of Genji" at Enryo Inoue Hall, Toyo University: Performed Zhaojun Yuan and Etenraku (Gagaku ensemble with volunteers from Reigakusha).
Appeared in subsequent lectures in 2014 ("Listening to the 'Qin' in the Classics") and 2015 ("Orchestra and Dance Depicted in Court Literature").
Nov 2014 Commemorative Exhibition Opening Matsumoto City Museum of Art, 150th Anniversary of Akiyama Hakugan's Birth: Performed Ping Sha Luo Yan and Chu Ge on the opening ceremony, "The Elegant World of Chinese Literati Akiyama Hakugan Admired." And others.
Current Theme:
The dapu and reconstruction of the complete Donggao Qinpu Zhengben (東皐琴譜正本) and Yutang Qinpu (玉堂琴譜) .
Example: Edited and recorded the dapu for the Shi Tan Zhang (Pu'an Zhou) from the Donggao Qinpu Zhengben, followed by its reconstruction as an original religious Qin Song with added lyrics (→ Reconstruction Example on YouTube: Shi Tan Zhang with vocals).
WEB
Qiuyue's website: Nest of the Qin, Poetry, Calligraphy, and Painting (琴詩書画巣)
Historical Site Guide to Temples with Donggao Xinyue (東皐心越) 's Plaque (via Google Maps)





Zhu Yiwei (朱以维)
朱以維 彈琴 Co-founder of The Yutang Qin Society.
As the 28th-generation grandson of Zhu Zi (Zhu Xi), he has studied traditional culture extensively since his youth.
Qin History
Member of the Guqin Professional Committee of the China Nationalities Orchestra Society.
Member of the Shanghai Dafengtang Qin Society (President: the late Mr. Ye Mingpei).
In his youth, he studied under Mr. Gu Zechang (1939-2018), a master of the Chu-style Guqin.
Subsequently, he received instruction from renowned masters such as Ms. Ye Mingpei (1929-2022), Mr. Li Kongyuan, and Mr. Mao Yi.
His playing style is calm, settled, serene, and elegant.




Chen Ya (陳雅)
陳雅 彈琴 Co-founder of The Yutang Qin Society.
Director of the Suzhou Wu School Qin Society.
Qin History
Began instruction in 2009 under Ms. Qiao Shan, a Guqin artist of the Guan School (Guan Pinghu lineage).
Studied under Mr. Wu Guangtong in 2014, the third-generation inheritor of the Wu School Qin lineage.
Inherits the Wu School's playing style, characterized by "Simplicity, Strength, Purity, and Harmony."



Liu Zonghan (劉宗翰)
劉宗翰 彈琴 Co-founder of The Yutang Qin Society.
Came to Japan in 2017. Studied at Osaka University and Kwansei Gakuin University, and currently serves as an assistant professor at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo.
Qin History
Born in Taipei, Taiwan. Exposed to music from an early age, learning Chinese traditional instruments such as the Liuqin and Ruanxian.
Although his university and graduate school major was Natural Sciences, he received instruction from Ms. Chen Wen after taking a Guqin class at the university in Taiwan.




坂田進一　上海にて Honoring Our Late Teacher

Sakata Shinichi (坂田進一)　1947-2022
Qin Scholar (琴士). The President of the Tokyo Qin Society (東京琴社), the first Qin society in Japan.
Director of the Sakata Shinichi Classical Music Institute. Gō (号 art name): Sou Ransai (痩蘭斎).
　→For a more detailed introduction, please visit the Sakata Shinichi page.


LINK & ACCESS

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