Kyoto's 'Sakura Otoyo' Event on April 4th Features Singer Aoi Teshima and Pianist Goza: 'I Hope to Sparkle Along with the Illuminations'

The 'Heian Jingu Sakura Otoyo,' a beloved event that has colored Kyoto's spring since 1989 (organized by the Sakura Otoyo Executive Committee, including the Kyoto Shimbun), will be held for five days from April 1st to 5th, 2026, at Heian Jingu Shrine in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. During the event, the Otenmon Gate, Daigokuden Hall, and the South and East Gardens will be specially illuminated at night, with the magnificent shrine buildings and weeping cherry trees coloring the spring Kyoto night. Visitors can stroll through the gardens while listening to live performances by artists on the banks of the Saho-ike Pond in the East Garden. The performers for April 4th are singer Aoi Teshima and pianist Goza. We asked them about their enthusiasm for the event. Aoi Teshima to Showcase Her Crystal-Clear Vocals Singer Aoi Teshima says this will be her first visit to Heian Jingu. 'I can't wait to see the beautiful Heian Jingu and the lovely cherry blossoms illuminated. I would be happy if I could sparkle along with the illuminations. It's my first time visiting during the cherry blossom season, so just imagining it makes me excited,' she said, expressing her joy at performing at Sakura Otoyo. Regarding her collaboration with pianist Goza, she added, 'I am very much looking forward to performing with him, and I am happy to be able to view the cherry blossoms at Heian Jingu with everyone. Goza-san and I are waiting for you.' Teshima is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut with 'Teru's Song,' an insert song from the 2006 Ghibli film 'Tales from Earthsea,' for which she also served as a voice actress. She also sings 'Amazing Grace,' the theme song for the film 'Hodomaku, Owakare desu' released this February. Her unique, crystal-clear singing voice remains unchanged. Goza to Deliver Gentle and Colorful Sounds Pianist Goza, who has been performing at Sakura Otoyo consecutively, said, 'Whenever I stand on this stage, I always feel the weight of history,' adding that it also brings him great joy to be able to perform. Regarding his collaboration with Aoi Teshima, he said, 'I am certain that Aoi Teshima's atmosphere will match this wonderful night stage. I hope to deliver a gentle and colorful piano performance that complements that atmosphere.' Following Sakura Otoyo, Goza will release his third solo album, 'Evolution,' in May, and plans to hold a solo tour to coincide with the release. 'I am looking forward to sharing a wonderful time with everyone in this magnificent place woven together by history, people, and nature. I am waiting for you with special music that can only be heard here,' he said, showing his enthusiasm. 'Sakura Otoyo' Held for Five Days Starting April 1st