Tokyo and Kobe, Japan
15-23 July 2008

In July 2008, Ki Purbo Asmoro performed in Japan together with the talented local Japanese gamelan ensemble known as Lambangsari. He arrived on the 15th and conducted a number of rehearsals with the group to solidify the accompaniment to Arjuna Wiwaha (Ciptoning) that they had been learning from a previously-recorded study tape a student of his had from years ago. Of course he made alterations and adaptations as they rehearsed, and a short three days later performances began. The unique aspect to this trip, was that Ki Purbo was invited to depart all on his own, and did not bring a single gamelan musician from Java with him. Highly experienced and competent members of Lambangsari filled all the positions in the gamelan--even kendhang and sindhen.

Ki Purbo performed in Tokyo at the Nippori Sunny Hall on July 18-19, and at the C.A.P. Studio Q2 in Kobe on the 21st. He had the opportunity to see both Noh and Kabuki theater traditions, and was interested particularly in the Noh theater, which he still comments on--its similarities and differences to Javanese wayang wong.
All photos on this page are courtesy of Mr. Tadashi Kumagai.