Gamelan Groups in JAPAN

The following list of gamelan ensembles in Japan was assembled by Tomoko Deguchi and Barbara Benary. Listings are in alphabetical order by prefecture. Most of the groups' websites are in Japanese.

Our special thanks to Mr. Makoto Torii, whose website Bali Gamelan Club (in Japanese) is a helpful resource with links to a number of groups plus listings of their current performances.

This list was last updated December 11, 2017. Send corrections, additions, and updates to agi@gamelan.org


Aichi


Name of Ensemble: Chukyo Women's University Gamelan Group
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional
Contact: Junko Kazama
email:
Web site:
Narrative:
Founded in 2001. Directed by associate professor Junko Kazama. Rehearses on Thursdays. Members are currently only registered students. Non-registered students are also welcome.

Name of Ensemble: Suara Sukma
Instruments: Balinese
Repertoire: Gong Kebyar, Gong Luang Saron, Gender Wayang
Contact: Mr. Katsuhiro Matsui
email: gongluang@ybb.ne.jp
Web site: http://www.geocities.jp/suara_sukma/
Narrative:
An independent, community based ensemble with members from various generations, teens through 50's. We welcome beginners as well as more advanced players. For updated rehearsal schedule log onto our website (Japanese language only.) If no Japanese is available on your computer, refer to the group representative, Mr. Matsui, by e-mail.


Fukuoka

Name of Ensemble: Chikushi Jogakuen University Gamelan Group
Instruments: Javanese, Balinese
Repertoire: Traditional; some new pieces
Contact: Prof. Fumi Tamura
email: fumitamr@chikushi-u.ac.jp
Web site:
Narrative:
Members are mainly resister students. Rehears once a week. Prof. Fumi Tamura leads the group.

Gifu

Name of Ensemble: Sekar Melati
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional, originally composed
Contact: Ms. Hitomi Ozeki
5-12-2 Kaminakaya-cho, Kakamigahara City
Gifu Prefecture 504-0926
email:
Web site:
Narrative:
The group's representative Hitomi Ozeki studied gamelan in Jakarta, and founded Sekar Melati in Gifu prefecture in June 2000. This community-based group presents traditional Javanese music as well as original compositions at museums, schools, art galleries and various other locations. Mr. Hiroshi Ietaka (Marga Sari, Osaka) also gives instruction regularly.


Hyogo

Name of Ensemble: Fuigo Biyori Gakudan
Instruments:Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional, contemporary
Contact: Mr. Nobuhisa Shimoda
C.A.P. 3-19-8 Yamamotodori
Chuo-ku, Kobe-city, 650-0003
Tel & Fax: 81-78-230-8707
email: shimoda@mxr.mesh.ne.jp
Web site:
C.A.P. website: http://www.cap-kobe.com/
Narrative:
This ensemble is a part of the art project of the non profit organization "The Conference on Art and Art Projects" (CAP) in Kobe city. Instructions are given by members of Marga Sari (representative Shin Nakagawa, Osaka). Players practice Javanese traditional music as well as compose original pieces. Rehearsals take place in the historical landmark building, the Former Kobe Emigration Center, Friday evenings. Monthly tuition fee is 3,000 yen. New members are welcome.


Name of Ensemble: Surya Metu
Instruments: Balinese
Repertoire: Gong Kebyar
Contact:
email: uripemade@yahoo.com
Web site:
Narrative:
Surya Metu is a community based group. The instruments' owner is Hyogo University of Teacher Education. This group was begun by the students who had studied gamelan music in the open college of the university since 1995. Members are mainly graduates. Rehearsals take place on Sundays on a semi monthly basis. We are invited to perform a couple times a year. If you are interested, come join our rehearsal anytime.


Kanagawa


Name of Ensemble: Terang Bulan
Instruments: Balinese Gong Kebyar, Balaganjur, Rindik
Repertoire: Traditional, contemporary
Contact: Motoko Sakurada
email:
Web site:
Narrative:
Terang Bulan is a professional group which presents various kinds of Balinese gamelan music and dance. It owns a full set of Gong Kebyar which was purchased by Sakurada in 2000 and as well as Rindiks. The set was made of the keyboards of an antique Pelegongan set already over 30 years old. Otherwise the only new part are the instrument frames which were made in 1999. Delicate, sweet and gorgeous tones are its feature. Most of the members have studied in Bali for years and perform in various groups in Tokyo district as well.


Name of Ensemble: Yokohama-Gamelan-no-kai
Instruments: Balinese Gong Kebyar, Balaganjur
Repertoire: Traditional
Contact: Instructor: Motoko Sakurada
email: onmoto@yk.rim.or.jp
Web site: http://www.yk.rim.or.jp/~onmoto/yokohama_gamelan.html
Narrative:
A Balinese Gamelan study meeting group in Yokohama, founded in 2001. Members meet with the group instructor, Sakurada, from 1 to 3 times every month. This workshop group aims to present performance styles. Performances are on an annual basis.


Kumamoto


Name of Ensemble: Kumamoto Gamelan
Instruments: Balinese
Repertoire: Traditional Gong Kebyar, Jegog, Gender Wayang and Topeng dance
Contact: Representative Nabeshima
166 Shimomachi, Ozumachi, Kikuchi-gun
Kumamoto-ken 869-1225
Tel/fax 81-96-294-7288
email: bulan@sky.zero.ad.jp
Web site:
Narrative: The group began to introduce gamelan music to this region in 2002. It has organized workshops at the community hall and has performed with Japanese traditional musicians and other ethnic musicians in regional festivals and other events. Primary school students learned Jegog at its school workshop, and have performed at several events. To give this community-based goup a boost, your interest and particpation are welcome.


Kyoto


Name of Ensemble: Gamelan Network Japan West
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Classical and contemporary gamelan, Wayang Kulit, Dance
Contact: Shin Nakagawa
email: silence@mbox.kyoto-inet.or.jp
Web site: http://gamelannetjapanwestblogspot.com//
Narrative:
Gamelan Network Japan West is a project group which was formed in 2010, as a union of gamelan groups based in western Japanese cities such as Gifu, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Okayama. Gamelan Network Japan West is a holonic group which deals adequately with various projects that often arise, therefore flexibility and mobility are the specialties of this group. In July 2011, we held "Wayang Project 2011" (Shin Nakagawa as the Supervisor, Rofit Ibrahim as the Music Director), and perform at Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments (Hamamatsu) and at Xebec Hall (Kobe) with some guest musicians from Yogyakarta.


Niigata


Name of Ensemble: Joetsu University of Education Asian Music Circle
Instruments: Javanese (Solonese style), Balinese (Gong Kebyar and Gender Wayang)
Repertoire: Traditional
Contact: Yukio Uemura
Dep't. of Music, Joetsu University of Education
Yamayashiki-machi
Joetsu City, Niigata-ken, 943-8512, Japan
Tel/fax +81-25-521-3520
email: uemura@juen.ac.jp
Web site: http://sun-cc.juen.ac.jp:8080/~uemura/index.html
Narrative:
This group was founded in 1998 as "The Balinese Gamelan Club" and renamed in 2003. It is organized and directed by Prof. Yukio Uemura, and instruction in Balinese gamelan is given by Lecturer Koichi Minagawa. Performances and introductory workshops are occasionally held in the university and the surrounding area, mainly for school children. Most of the current members are music-major students of the university who have taken gamelan and ethnomusicology classes. Uemura also leads another community-based gamelan group named "Joetsu Gamelan-no Kai", and joint rehearsals of the two groups take place irregularly.


Okinawa


Name of Ensemble: Kembang Mas
Instruments: Balinese
Repertoire: Gong Kebyar, Gender Wayang, Balaganjur and Rindik
Contact: Representative: Yumiko Nakamura
Okinawa Prefecture University of Art
email: kantor_km@hotmail.com
Web site: http://gamelan.gosenkobo.net/
Narrative:
The instruments of Kembang Mas were purchased and the ensemble launched in summer of 2002. The members are registered students, graduates and guest players. Some of them have studied at ISI Denpasar. The ensemble has been invited to perform at the University Art Festival every year. New members are welcome. Contact Ms. Nakamura by email. Rehearsals take place at Kenkyusho Studio, third campus building, between 19:00 and 22:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays

Name of Ensemble: Sanga
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional
Contact: Kameshima
Okinawa Prefectural University of Art
email: ryosen@mac.com
Web site: http://gamelan.gosenkobo.net/
Narrative:


Name of Ensemble: Setu Bunda
Instruments: Balinese gender wayang, batel, gong kebyar, angklung
Repertoire: Traditional
Contact: Hideharu Umeda
Narrative:
This group was founded in 1990 is led mainly by Hideharu Umeda, ethnomuiscogist at Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts, who trained as a dhalang in Bali. The group presents Mahabharata and Ramayana in Tokyo, Okinawa and across the country


Osaka


Name of Ensemble: Dharma Budaya
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional, other new music
Contact: Representative Teruo Yamasaki
email: info@gamelans.org
Web site: http://www.gamelans.org/
Narrative:
Dharma Budaya was founded in 1979. With deepening understanding of the traditional Solo style, it has been presenting the traditional repertoire as well as its own original creations as a Japanese Gamelan group. The very 1st CD, "Overflow" was released in 2000 and consists of all original composed pieces. This group frequently performs with modern dancers too. These include a 3 year long-term collaboration with the challenged dancers of "Performance Troupe TAIHEN" and the collaborative work "Gamelan Square" with a Butoh dancer and a Japanese performer of Javanese dance. Dharma Budaya welcomes visitors and new players.

Name of Ensemble: Gita Kencana
Instruments: Balinese
Repertoire: Gong Kebyar, Gender Wayang, Balaganjur
Contact:Representative: Emi Kobayashi
Studio Eggs
Uehonmachi Bld. 1-1-12
Uehonmachinishi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
email:gitakencana@hotmail.com
Web site: http://sound.jp/gitakencana/index.html
Narrative:
Gita Kencana was founded in 1994 by Ms. Emi Kobayashi, a graduate of Osaka College of Music who studied at I.T.S.I., in order to form an authentic Balinese Gamelan group in Japan. Gita Kencana means golden tunes. As the name says, this group expresses Gamelan music with shower of gorgeous timbres. The ensemble numbers from 2 to over 10 players and can also present bigger scale performance with a dance company, Puspa Kencana (Osaka). We frequently perform at Asian region related events and Indonesian cultural events as well as school concerts and workshops. The group's original creations have included collaborations with Japanese traditional dance (Nihon buyo) at Noh stage, with Shinmyo chant of Shingon-shu Buddhist monks and more. Gita Kencana offers Gong Kebyar workshops for beginner and experienced levels.


Name of Ensemble: HanaJoss
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Classical and contemporary gamelan, wayang kulit
Contact: Rofit Ibrahim
Studio: Rumah Wayang 3-21-3
Kurakakiuchi Ibaraki
Osaka 567-0878
tel/fax: 81-90-9052-2523 / 81-72-628-1101
email:mail@hanajoss.net
Web site: http://hanajoss.net
Narrative:
Rofit Ibrahim and Hiromi Sasaki formed this performing unit in Yogyakarta, in November 2002. We settled in Japan in 2005. Since then, we have performed classical gamelan and wayang kulit, given workshops, composed new pieces & songs, and collaborated with various guest artists and children groups. We instruct amateur groups such as Kanca-kanca (Rumah Wayang), Fuigo Biyori Gakudan (Kobe) and Tirta Kencana (Shiga). HanaJoss is the music director of Gamelan Network Japan West for Wayang Project 2011 (see the details on "Gamelan Network Japan West"). We performed in many cities in Japan, such as Kyoto (2005 / 2010), Oogaki (2006), Tokyo (2007), Toride (2007), Osaka (2008/2009), Higashi Matsuyama (2009), Sendai(2010), as well as in Indonesia (2008). Kanca-kanca holds regular rehearsals on Tuesdays at 15:30-17:00 & 19:00-20:30. We welcome new members!


Name of Ensemble: Marga Sari
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional, other new music
Contact: Space Ten, 9-5 Makishimobayashi
Toyono-cho, Toyono-gun, Osaka
email: home@margasari.com
Web site: http://margasari.com/index.html
Narrative:
Directed and founded by Prof. Shin Nakagawa of Osaka City University in 1998. The group has performed classical and contemporary pieces at many prominent concert spaces including Xebec Hall (Kobe), Asahi Beer Atrium (Tokyo), Phoenix Hall (Osaka), Izumi Hall (Osaka), and Hekisui Hall (Minakuchi). Will Eisma, Mantle Hood, Nomura Makoto, Kitaura Tsuneto,Michael Asmara and Johanes Subowo have all helped compose new pieces for Marga Sari. The group presents workshops to promote gamelan awareness. It is also currently involved in two projects for 2005: a collaboration with disabled people, and also a theatre production based on the story of "Momotaro." New players are welcome to our rehearsals at 18:00-22:30 on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Space Ten.


Name of Ensemble: Osaka City University Gamelan
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional
Contact: Prof. Shin Nakagawa
email: nakagawa@lit.osaka-cu.ac.jp
Web site
Narrative:
Instruments belong to Department of Asian Culture and Urbanism of Graduate School of Literature and Human Sciences. They are used for lectures, concerts on the university campus, etc. Through the agreement on study exchange with Institute Seni Indonesia, Yogjakarta, we receive instructions from the institutional guest lectures every year. We are broadening the horizon of activities including interactions with the regional residents.


Name of Ensemble: Osaka University of Arts Gamelan
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional, Contemporary
Contact: Prof. Shin Nakagawa
email: silence@mbox.kyoto-inet.or.jp
Web site
Narrative:
Students practice Javanese traditional Gamelan in 2 courses of Department of Musicology. Besides practicing in those classes, they occasionally perform out of the university campus too. Repertoire also included a group's original piece which was composed by a lecture of Department of Composition. Visitors are welcome.


Name of Ensemble: Swa Gita Pertiwi Japan
Instruments: Balinese Gong Kebyar, Gender Wayang, Joged Bumbung, Balaganjur
Repertoire: Traditional, Contemporary
Contact:Ms. Luci Murakami
email: luci88@mac.com
Web site:
Narrative:
Swa Gita Pertiwi Japan was founded in 1998. The group consists of women who are formerly members of Swa Gita Pertiwi in Jakarta. Rehearsals take place mainly in Osaka, also in Aichi and Kanagawa. The group performs at local schools, community festivals, Indonesian restaurants and so on.


Saitama


Name of Ensemble: Gamelan Circle of Shobi University
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional
Contact:
Student Affair Office
Kamifukuoka Campus, Shobi University
655 Shimomatsubara, Kawagoe-shi
Saitama 350-1153, Japan
email: kf-kyomu@shobi-u.ac.jp
Web site:
Narrative:
This group was begun by students who practiced Gamelan instrument with Kozako in her lecture of Ethnomusicology in 1998. In 2000 it became an accredited group. It performs at the University Open College, at Hyakuman-to Festival (Buddhist related) in Kawagoe city in the end of July, at the university annual art festival in October and more. Rehearsals are from 18:00 to 20:00 on Fridays. Instructor, Lecturer Naoko Kozako. Registered students are welcome to join the group.


Name of Ensemble: Javanese Gamelan Group of Open College
Daito Bunka University
Instruments:Javanese
Repertoire:Traditional
Contact:
Higashimatsuyama-center office
Extension Center of Daito Bunka University
560 Iwadono, Higashimatsuyama-shi
Saitama 355-8501, Japan
email:
Web site: http://www.daito.ac.jp/exten/
Narrative:
Hosted by Open College of Daito Bunka University since 2003. Recruits new members for the spring and autumn semesters (10 lectures per semester). Rehearsals take places on Saturdays. Members practice performance skill with Lecturer Kozako and also perform in the group recital in the end of each semester


Name of Ensemble: Kacang Loncat
at Institute for Asian Studies, Faculty of International Relations
Daito Bunka University
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire:traditional
Contact: Ms. Naoko Kozako
11-15-114, Sekimachi Kita 4 Chome
Nerima-ku, Tokyo 117-0051, Japan
email:
Web site:
Narrative:
Students launched this Javanese Gamelan group when the university purchased the set of Central Javanese Gamelan for the faculty of International Relations. Then in 2000 Lecture Kozako started instructing the members. In 2003 it became an accredited study group of the institute. The main activities are the studies of the languages, culture and performing arts in Asia and also to organize and perform at regional related events. Kacang Loncat presents Javanese music and dance at the university annual events, " Asia Mix" in June, and " Asia Week" in December which are hosted by the institute for Asian Studies. Rehearsals are from 15:00 to 17:00 on Fridays. Registered students are welcome to take part in the activities.


Shiga


Name of Ensemble: Tirta Kencana
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: traditional, contemporary
Contact: Hekisui Hall
5671 Minakuchi
Minakuchi-tyo, Koka-shi
Shiga, Japan 528-0005
email: hekisuih@city.koka.shiga.jp
or sazanami@jungle.or.jp
Web site: http://www.jungle.or.jp/sazanami/gamelan/
Narrative:
A community group; instruments owned by Minakuchi Town. Instructed by Prof. Shin Nakagawa of the Osaka based gamelan Margasari, and other guest Javanese artists.


Shizuoka


Name of Ensemble: Bapang Sari - in multiple locations
Instruments: Balinese
Repertoire: Gong Kebyar, Balaganjur, Rindik, Gender Wayang
Contact: Ms. Maki Sera
email: sgbapangsari@hotmail.com
Web site: http://www.k2.dion.ne.jp/~bapangsr/
Narrative:
An independent group with members who love Balinese Gamelan music and dance throughout Japan. Founded in 2000. We organize recital a couple of times a year, participate in events, and also perform at schools and welfare institutions across the country. Our rehearsal takes place on a monthly basis in various places, Fukuyama (Hiroshima pref), Kobe (Hyogo pref), Numazu (Shizuoka pref), Chigasaki (Kanagawa pref) etc.


Tokyo


Name of Ensemble: Bamboo Harmonic Ensemble: Indah Putri
Instruments: Bamboo angklung rattles
Repertoire: Classical, folk song and repertoire from many countries.
Contact: Chairwoman Takae Niiya
email: assm@juno.dti.ne.jp
Web site: http://www.juno.dti.ne.jp/~assm/index.html
Narrative:
New players, visitors and drop-ins are welcome to participate in our workshop group, Angklung Sareng Sami Matinpalan. We are a unique Angklung orchestra performing at festivals and in nursing homes in Yokohama-Tokyo area.

Name of Ensemble: Candra Gita
Instruments: Balinese gambuh
Repertoire: traditional
Contact: Ms. Motoko Sakurada
email: onmoto@yk.rim.or.jp
Web site: http://www.kt.rim.or.jp/~maktori/gamelan/banjar/candragita/candra.html
Narrative:
This group presents Balinese traditional entertainment, "Gambuh". It was formed in 1999 and has been performing in the Tokyo suburbs, mainly. The group members received instruct ions in Batuan inBali and continue deepening the studies in Japan.

Name of Ensemble: Fukagawa Barong Club
Instruments: Balinese
Repertoire: Traditional
Contact: Representative Hitoshi Komurakata
email:jos@h6.dion.ne.jp
Web site:
Narrative:
Group was launched in August 1993 in order to dedicate Barong dance and Gamelan music to the annual festival of Shinto shrine, Tomioka-Hachimangu in Fukagawa, Tokyo. Beside the annual offering, we rehearse irregularly. Dedicators are community members, dancers and musicians who studied in Bali and some others

Name of Ensemble: Gamelan Music Studio
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional music and dance
Contact: Mariko Sato
The Institute of Ethnomusicology
Tokyo College of Music
3-11-1 Zoshigaya
Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
e-mail: minzoku-ongaku@tokyo-ondai.ac.jp
Web site: http://www.tokyo-ondai.ac.jp/archive/kenkyu.htm
Narrative:
Tokyo College of Music offers Javanese music and dance lectures to non-registered students. Music instructor: full time lecturer Mariko Sato; Dance instrutor : lecturer Hariu Suguri. It recruits 15-20 new participants on an annual basis between January and March. Registered students also enroll in the lectures on Wednesdays and Saturdays (36 classes a year). Recent and future performances include the college annual art festival in October and also a recital on the college campus.

Name of Ensemble: Geinoh-Yamashiroguchi
Instruments: Balinese Gong Kebyar, Semar Pegulingan, Gender Wayang, Beleganjur, Selonding, Jegog
Repertoire: Traditional performance of Bali, Bulgaria, Georgia, Japan etc., and the group's original pieces
Contact: Shoji Yamashiro
1-22-3 Higashinakano, Nakano-ku
Tokyo 164-0003, Japan
email: info@yamashirogumi.gr.jp
Web site: http://www.yamashirogumi.gr.jp
Narrative:
Geinoh-Yamashirogumi play various Balinese gamelan performances and original contemporary pieces featuring gamelan, Jegog and Cak as their important repertories. Yamashirogumi have made cultural exchange with Bali since 1973 and been invited to participate in Bali Art Festival for three times including the International Gamelan Exhibition in 2000. Most of their original works are exquisite fusion of the whole essence of non-western tradition and contemporary senses, like the sound track for the animation film "AKIRA", which was enjoyed in many countries through media such as CD, VCR and DVD, and have been awarded many international prizes. The leader, Shoji YAMASHIRO, received "Dharma Kusuma Award" from Balinese government in 1992. That was the first opportunity for foreigners together with Mantle Hood and others.


Name of Ensemble: Java Gamelan Club of Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music
Instruments: Central Javanese
Repertoire:Traditional
Contact: Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music
2-2-1, 12-8 Ueno Kouen
Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8714, Japan
email:jawagamelan@yahoo.co.jp
Web site: http://sound.jp/gamelan/
Narrative:
The gamelan was founded and directed by Prof. Fumio Koizumi (1937-1983) for his Gamelan course at the University in 1976. It performs annually in April to welcome new students for orientation, and in September at the University Arts Festival. The ensemble numbers approximately 20 members, including registered students, graduates and guests.

Name of Ensemble: Kartika
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional, originally composed
Contact:
Representative: Prof. Fumi Tamura (Chikushi Jogakuen University)
Information: Makiko Miura
email: info_kartika@yahoo.co.jp
Web site: http://sound.jp/kartika/
Narrative:
Kartika was founded in 1988, and is currently led by Assistant Professor Fumi Tamura of Chikushi Jogakuen University. Together with Kusuma Javanese dance company, we have been performing at concerts and workshops across the country. We develop and arrange our workshop programs to address the various needs of each individual. We aim to offer anyone the opportunity to experience Gamelan music in the multiple ways such as listening to the music, seeing the dance, playing the instruments and more. Workshop participants are children, adults and also challenged children. As we deepen our studies, we are creating cultural interaction with more people as well as sharing the richness of Gamelan sound through our performance and workshops.

Name of Ensemble: Kunitachi Ongaku Club, Chandra Metu
Instruments: Gong Kebyar, Angklung and Gender Wayang
Repertoire: Balinese traditional
Contact: Student representative Ai Saotome
Kunitachi College of Music
email: ai_saotome_japan@yahoo.co.jp
Web site:
Narrative: After Sekar Djepun became independent from the college in 1988, the registered students launched Chandra Metu as the University group. Graduates help the group activities as guest players, and some take the role of group instructor. Current group instructor is Ms. Yayoi Horikawa. The group has been invited to perform at the college's annual art festival and other cultural events.

Name of Ensemble: Lambangsari
Instruments: Javanese and Banyumasan Calung
Repertoire: Traditional
Contact: Representative: Kayo Kimura
Lambangsari Studio, B2F Miyata Building
1-17-16 Nishi Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003
tel: 81-3-3519-6637 fax: 81-3-3519-6638
email: office@lambangsari.com
Web site:http://www.lambangsari.com
Narrative:
Beginning as the music group directed by Prof. Fumio Koizumi for his
course at Tokyo University of Arts, Lambangsari became independent in 1985.
We organize recitals and workshops as well as participating in
other cultural events. We also have joint recitals with with Javanese
dance, Wayang kulit and many others. Some recent performances include:
a Javanese Wayang Kulit event in Gumma Prefecture 2001 with Javanese
Dhalang Ki Manteb Sudarsono and his group; a Japan-South Korea
cross-cultural concert in Seoul, South Korea in 2002; Lambangsari 20th
anniversary event with Javanese dancer Didik Nini Thowok (Jogjakarta)
in 2004; Javanese Wayang Kulit concerts in Tokyo and Kobe with Javanese
Dhalang Ki Purbo Asmoro in 2008. New players are welcome. We meet at
Lambangsari Studio for rehearsal, 19:00-21:00 on Mondays and
18:30-20:30 on Saturdays.

Name of Ensemble: Merdeka
Instruments: Balinese
Repertoire: Gong Kebyar and Gender Wayang
Contact: Koichi Minagawa, Instructor of
International Language and Cultural Studies
Kanda University of International Studies
1-4-1 Wakaba, Mihama-ku, Chiba City
email: minagawa@kanda.kuis.ac.jp
Web site:
Narrative:
Founded in 2001. Directed by lecturer Koichi Minagawa. Group rehearses on Thursdays. New members are welcome.


Name of Ensemble: National Children's Castle Kodomonoshiro Gamelan Group
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional
Contact: Shigeki Iida
Music Department of Kodomonoshiro
4th floor studio, 5-53-1 Jingumae
Shibuka-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
email: music@kodomono-shiro.or.jp
Web site: http://www.kodomono-shiro.or.jp/
Narrative:
This central Javanese Gamelan workshop group is a part of foundation, National Children's Castle. Group activities address to primary, junior and junior high school students since 1985. Executive supervisor is Fumi Tamura. Instructors are Minako Sasaki, Tatsuro Fukuzawa, Taro Natori, Tamio Takemoto and Natsumi Sasoh. Rehearsals take place on Sundays between 1:30-3:00 p.m except for school holidays (32 times per year). New members are welcome.

Name of Ensemble: Otokoba Haneda
Instruments: Balinese and Javanese (Solo) and Cirebon
Repertoire: Balinese: Gong Kebyar, Gender Wayang, Gamelan Angklung, Semar Pegulingan Saih Pitu; Central Javanese and Cirebon
Contact: Ms. Yukie Miyamoto

Otokoba-Kanda (Javanese gamelan and dance)
Manso building B1F
1-16 Kandasuya-cho
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0041
tel/fax: 81-3-3745-6460
email: jawa-info@otokoba.com
Web site: http://otokoba.com/

Otonomori Gamelan Studio (Balinese gamelan and dance)
3rd floor, 6-26-18, Omori-kita,
Ota-ku, Tokyo 143-0016, Japan
tel/fax: 81-3-3745-6460
email: gamelan@otonomori.jp
Web site: http://otonomori.jp/

Narrative:
Performance and study center. Javanese and Balinese groups have recently divided into two separate locations (see above). In the 80's, Japan had Indonesian gamelan or dance lectures only in some universities. In order to give the opportunity to more people and also to popularize the music and dance in this country, the group representative Fumi Tamura founded Otokoba HANEDA in 1987. Its main activities are presenting workshops of Javanese and Balinese Gamelan and dance. It also organizes various kinds of concerts, workshops, recitals of Indonesian groups, and joint-recitals of Japanese and Indonesian artists. Some local groups of Indonesian music and dance use its facilities too. Currently Otokoba Kanda sponsors the Javanese group Mega Mendung (Cirebon), which gives performances on an irregular basis. Gamelan Jawa courses are offered at 4:00p.m. and 7:00p.m. Otonomori Gamelan Studio has taken over the activity of the former Otokoba Omori as of April 1st, 2011. Otonomori offers learning opportunities of Balinese gamelan and dance to whoever is interested. It also functions as a parent organization of a Balinese gamelan group Sari Mekar, and designs and produces related events and performances.


Name of Ensemble: Padma
Instruments: Balinese Gender Wayang
Repertoire: Traditional
Contact: Ms. Ako Mashino
email: padmabali@hotmail.com
Web site: http://www.geocities.jp/genderpadma/
Narrative:
We play Balinese gender wayang in Tokyo, mainly in Sukawati and Kayumas style. We also play tingklik, dll. and hold concerts once or twice in a year.

Name of Ensemble: Paraguna Group
Instruments: Sundanese
Repertoire: Traditional gamelan degung, tembang Sunda
Contact: Ms. Keiko Murakami
c/o Lambangsari Studio, B2F Miyata Building
1-17-16 Nishi Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003
tel: 81-3-3519-6637 fax: 81-3-3519-6638
email: info@paraguna.com
Web site: http://www.paraguna.com
Narrative:
Paraguna Group was founded as a Sundanese music study and ensemble group in 1985 and is the only Sundanese music group in Japan that presents Gamelan degung and tembang Sunda. The group was named by a well-known composer and master of Sundanese music, Nano S. In the Sundanese language, Paraguana means a man who has wisdom of music, develops music and has a thorough knowledge of musicology. New members are welcome. We rehearse at Lambangsari Studio on monthly or semi monthly basis. You also can see our Gamelan degung monthly recital at Indonesian Restaurant, Jembatan Merah in Shinjuku, Tokyo (8:00 -8:20 and 9:00 - 9:20 p.m.; date varies every month)

Name of Ensemble: Sanggar Urotsutenoyako
Instruments: Balinese + International
Repertoire: Traditional Gong Kebyar and Topeng Plempong as well as new music and dance
Contact: Mr. Yuichi Fujikawa
email: megamel@aj.daa.jp
Web site: http://megamel.daa.jp/
Narrative: Sanggar Urotsutenoyako is an independent ensemble founded in October 2002 by Tetsuro Koyano, a Japanese performer of Balinese dance, together with graduates of the Asia University Gamelan Study Circle. It is based at Studio Amrita, Kichoji, Tokyo and gives concerts frequently. Our preformances aim to popularize gamelan music and take it beyond traditional categories. Besides Topeng Trenpong and other Balinese repertoire, we have been presenting our own new creations with local and international artists. One such new project begun in 2003 is Jungle Orchestra, together with Japanese Didgeridoo player GOMA. Guest musicians and dancers have included I Dewa Putu Berata, I Dewa Ketut Alit, Ni Gusti Ayu Sri Yuliati, Cok Pring, Didi Nini Thowok and etc.

Name of Ensemble: Sekar Djepun
Instruments: Balinese Gong Kebyar
Repertoire:Traditional
Contact:Atalier Umeyashiki
1-16-9, Omoriminami
Ota-ku, Tokyo
email: htsuka@pluto.dti.ne.jp
Web site: http://www.pluto.dti.ne.jp/~htsuka/sj/
Narrative: The ensemble was founded as a gamelan study circle of Kunitachi College of Music in 1982, and formed an independent ensemble, mainly with the college graduates based in Tokyo. Sekar Djepun performs with music and dance enthusiasts from Japan and other countries in recitals or joint recitals. It meets Thursday evenings for practice, plus Sunday afternoons for concert rehearsal.

Name of Ensemble: Sidha Karya
Instruments: Balinese Gong Kebyar, Semar Pegulingan, Gender Wayang, Balaganjur
Repertoire:Traditional contemporary
Contact: Koichi Minagawa
email: minagawa@kanda.kuis.ac.jp
Narrative

Name of Ensemble: Suara
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Traditional
Contact: Junko Sato
email: suarajp@yahoo.co.jp
Web site: http://sound.jp/suara/
Narrative:
Founded by Javanese gamalen players from Tokyo metro area in 2002. Based on Javanese traditional styles, our presentations use special sound and lighting effects and contemporary dancers in order to express our admiration of Javanese tradition, and also our own creation inspired by Japanese aesthetic.

Name of Ensemble: Sumilir
Instruments: Javanese
Repertoire: Wayang kulit, dance and gamelan
Contact: Sumiyanto / Ayako Nezu
email: gong.sumilir@gmail.com
Web site: http://sumilir.seesaa.net/
Narrative:

Yamagata


Name of Ensemble: Kotamagawa no Kodomotachi
Instruments: Balinese
Repertoire: Gong Kebyar, Balaganjur
Contact: Owner of the instruments:
Oguni Town of Nishiokitama County
Information: Masahito Miyamoto (gamelan Sari Mekar, Tokyo)
email: CQH00055@nifty.com
Web site
Narrative:
In 1992 Oguni town purchased the full set of Gong Kebyar in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the youth intercourse project with Indonesia such as home stay exchanges of children. As the project discontinued, the instruments were left unused until 2003, the year of the national cultural event in the region. For that event the 19 local children practiced Gamelan music for 6 months with their 2 guest instructors, Ms. Ako Mashino (PADMA, an instructor of Otokoba Haneda, Tokyo) and Mr. Masahito Miyamoto (Otokoba HANEDA,Tokyo). Successfully, they completed the performance on the stage with supports from Sari Mekar (Otokoba HANEDA). Short afterwards, the instruments continued being used for the interaction between the residents and Sari Mekar.

Yamaguchi


Name of Ensemble: Sanggar Gamelan Bali di Yamaguchi
Instruments: Balinese
Repertoire: Gong Kebyar, Gender Wayang
Contact: Ms. Tamiko Fujimoto
email: gamelan@yamaguchi.email.ne.jp
Web site: http://www.ne.jp/asahi/gamelan/yamaguchi/
Narrative:
The very first gamelan ensemble in Yamaguchi region, Sanggar Gamelan Bali was founded in 2003 and contributes to various local cultural activities. Our long term goal is to form an ongoing community-based performing ensemble. Your interest and participation are highly appreciated.