Classics Day Sansan 2026: music, kagura and a showcase of historical attire in Kyoto

From music and a declaration to an awards ceremony and traditional performing arts

The Classics Day Forum has been held every year on November 1, designated as Classics Day, since 2009. In 2026, it will be held as Classics Day Sansan, on the same day as the Murata Memorial Classics Day Cultural Fund Future Award ceremony. The event celebrates a wide range of classical culture, not only classical literature, and this year's program brings together music, kagura, a talk, and a costume showcase.

The opening features the Classics Day Sansan Ensemble performing the theme song, “Classics Day Sansan,” followed by Aya Ooyagi, the grand prize winner in the junior and senior high school division of the 17th Classics Day Recitation Contest, delivering the “Classics Day Declaration.” The program begins with music and a declaration. The event will be hosted by Tamio Miyake and Saori Arayama.

Part 1 is the Murata Memorial Classics Day Cultural Fund Future Award ceremony, which encourages the next generation of people carrying on Japan's classical and traditional culture. The ceremony follows the introduction of the recipients. Remarks are also scheduled from Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko, Honorary President of the award's recognition committee.

Part 2, the 2026 Classics Day Forum, is being held in partnership with the 41st National Cultural Festival, Yosakoi Kochi Cultural Festival 2026. After a message from Kochi Governor Seiji Hamada, the Monobe Izanagi-ryu Kagura Preservation Society will perform Izanagi-ryu prayer kagura. The program combines a live kagura performance by the preservation society with a partnership with the host region of the National Cultural Festival.

To mark 400 years since the Kan'ei Imperial Visit, nō performer Noboru Yasuda of the Shimogakari Hōshō school will give a talk titled “Emperor Go-Mizunoo, a King in Turbulent Times: The Strength of ‘Culture.’” A showcase of costumes from a historical procession reenactment is also planned, pairing a talk about history with a chance to see the costumes.

Advance applications required; check for updates after the deadline

The event runs from 13:30 to 16:45, with doors opening at 12:30. The program may change without notice.

Admission is free, with reserved seating, and advance applications are required. There are 400 places, with a lottery if applications exceed capacity. The application deadline was September 18, 2026 (Friday); applications had to arrive by that date, and the deadline has passed. The notice does not mention any additional application period. If you are considering attending, contact the organizer, the Classics Day Promotion Committee, by phone to check the current application status before making plans. The number is 075-353-3060. Phone hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00–12:00 and 13:00–17:00 (closed on weekends and public holidays).

Successful applicants will be sent an admission ticket. On the day, they must bring the ticket and an official form of ID. A photocopy of the ID is acceptable, and accompanying guests must also bring identification. Only people registered on the application may enter, and changes cannot be made after selection.

The listed access point is Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. The exit and walking time from the station have not been confirmed, so check your route before setting out.