Here’s a project inspired by a song learned by every child in Kyoto. “Kyoto toori na kazoe uta” 「京都通り名数え唄」 is a folksong used to memorize the names of the streets that run east to west from Marutamachi in the north of Kyoto, all the way down to Kujo in the south.
The song goes like this.
Inspired by this song, the “Visions of Kyoto” collective, seven foreign-born photographers long resident in Kyoto, have tried to capture the spirit of modern Kyoto, by photographing these 26 streets. You can see their efforts displayed at Cafe Foodelica until Monday 11th of May. And the opening party is at Cafe Foodelica on Saturday 25th April from 18.30. Check their website for details: http://visions-of-kyoto.jimdo.com/
Cafe Foodelica is situated near Shugakuin station. Here is a MAP.
You can also browse from of the photos here: http://visions-of-kyoto.jimdo.com/photos/
I shall give the last word to the photographers:
In historical Kyoto, the past is very much alive, tangible and relevant to our lives in the present, and it informs us as we try to describe our visions of the future and move forward together. “Visions of Kyoto” is our way to express what Kyoto represents to us in photographs. However, our aim is to not only show the traditional face of Kyoto, but also the city as it exists today, new and modern and vibrant. We would be delighted if our photos help people better understand and feel more connected to Kyoto. Kyoto is, after all, not a city stuck in the past, but a city of innovation, technology and scholarship. With “Visions of Kyoto” we take pride in the city and its people, forging a link with future generations, and spreading appreciation for Kyoto beyond Japan to the world. – Visions of Kyoto
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