Production Intent: Documentary Film “Jiuta Sokyoku Performer Mayumi Ono”
The number of international visitors to Japan, which once hovered around 10 million annually, is approaching 40 million in 2024. This growth is accompanied by a profound shift in why people visit.
While first-time visitors often focus on consumption—such as shopping and dining—repeat visitors are increasingly drawn to “the unique spirituality of Japan.” They seek to experience the richness of the four seasons and delve into the depths of history and traditional culture. This trend is a clear testament to the powerful allure of the “invisible, intangible beauty” inherent in Japanese culture.
Since ancient times, cultural elements that crossed over from the continent have been accumulated and refined within the Japanese landscape. Over centuries, these traditions have matured and evolved into something distinct and sophisticated. In particular, Japanese classical performing arts are invaluable cultural assets that have survived the turbulence of history without being diminished or consumed by time.
The world of Jiuta, Sangen, and Koto captured in this film may, at first glance, appear quiet and understated. However, their melodies resonate with the unique tenderness and passion of the Japanese spirit, cultivated through the activities of successive generations. The space created by these instruments—healing the soul and allowing time to flow gently—expresses a sense of spiritual fulfillment that modern society has begun to forget.
The protagonist of this film, Mayumi Ono, a native of Oita Prefecture, founded the “Jiuta Sokyoku Mionokai” immediately after graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts. While mastering her craft as the head of the school for many years, she has also devoted herself to sharing Japanese culture with the world, making significant contributions to the promotion of classical arts. Representing the mature cultural traditions Japan takes pride in, Ms. Ono embodies a new social model where tradition and innovation coexist in our increasingly diverse world.
The ripple effect that arts and culture have on society is immeasurable. This documentary was produced to preserve these values for future generations and to portray, through diverse perspectives, a world where traditional culture and modernity resonate in harmony.