The Lafcadio Hearn Reading Performance began in Matsue in 2007. It is performed by a leading Japanese actor, Shiro SANO, and the world-renowned guitarist, Kyoji YAMAMOTO. A different theme is introduced every year. Now in its 13th year, this fusion of literature and music is an extremely unique performance art and cultural resource.

　It has been performed overseas. It was received enthusiastically in Greece, the home of Hearn’s mother, in 2014, and in Ireland, the home of Hearn’s father, in 2015. In recent years, Hearn’s open-minded outlook has been re-evaluated in the context of contemporary society. This reading performance has found a place in this current as a new cultural resource which plays a role in cultural creation activities.

　The performance consists of a script from Hearn’s works, created by SANO, who is a Hearn devotee, and guitar music by YAMAMOTO. While reflecting the subtlety of a delicate spirit, the fusion of literature and music further emphasizes the cadence of the stories. Their performance, which embodies the world of Hearn, is attracting attention for its new method of expression of literature.

　The performance also includes a lecture by the folklorist and great-grandson of Lafcadio Hearn, Bon KOIZUMI. We hope to highlight Hearn’s deep understanding which he used to depict the fundamental cultures of Japan, who had lived in Kobe which was absorbing the western culture.

　In his lifetime, Hearn adopted the role of storyteller and retold over 80 stories. Kwaidan is the representative culmination of his efforts. In Ireland, it was said that SANO’s storytelling was music, and YAMAMOTO’s music was storytelling. We would like to present the audience to experience this world of profound imagination through Kwaidan, in which Hearn was at his best.

　This is the special performance which will be held at Kobe where once Hearn lived as the triumphal performance of the USA tour held in three cities celebrating the 150th anniversary of Hearn’s arrival in the USA.