World Song Circle
Songs from all over the world, for every age from 0 to 100. Babies, children and adults, travelers and Kyoto families, in one circle. No Japanese needed.
Wednesday, December 16
11:20–11:50, at Keibunsha Ichijoji Bookshop (COTTAGE)
From January 2027, a monthly circle on Sundays (dates to come)
What happens in the circle
We sing songs from Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe and many other places, each in its own language, along with Japanese songs anyone can sing. We clap, move and play with the rhythm together.
There is nothing here that measures who sings well. The circle starts from the music that is already in each person.
World Song Circle in Rwanda. English subtitles available.
Where it began
One night in a village in Rwanda, before everyone went to sleep, Yumi Fukuda was welcomed into a circle of people singing and dancing. There was no “good” or “bad” there. That circle is the foundation of World Song Circle, and of musicand.
Who comes
Babies from 2 months old, with a parent. Toddlers, children and parents. Adults are welcome on their own, too. Families who live in Kyoto, and travelers passing through.
When you book, we’ll ask your name and a little about you. Children under 18 need a parent’s permission, and younger children come with a parent.
The place, and musicand café
The circle meets at COTTAGE, Keibunsha Ichijoji Bookshop, in even months on the third Wednesday. COTTAGE is a separate room from the bookshop’s sales floor.
On the same day, musicand café is open there: a small market with travelling lunch, music and books. Local makers serve seasonal sweets, herbal tea and aroma hand treatments, and some days have workshops. Instagram @musicand_cafe_kyoto →
10 Ichijoji Haraidono-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. Map →
Prices
Living in Kyoto? You pay our usual yen rates. All prices & dates →
In their own words
Parents, translated from Japanese in full. Not shortened or reworded. When these were written, the circle was called “Travelling Rhythmics”; it is now World Song Circle.
First of all, I was moved by Yumi’s warm welcome.
The other participants smile and talk not only to their own children but to the other children too, so the atmosphere is really good and I felt at home right away. Some couples come together, which I always find lovely.
It was rhythmics unlike anything I had tried before: songs from all over the world, and Yumi’s wonderful arrangements. It felt like a new door opening. I enjoy it so much I wonder whether the parents are having more fun than the kids! So the time goes by in a flash, and I always wish it were a little longer.
The phrases are easy to remember and just the right length, so I catch myself humming them at home.
Parent
The songs chosen for the sessions were all wonderful ones from around the world that I would never have come across on my own. We used our bodies, and every song was fun to sing. Since we kept coming, my daughter moves her body more and more whenever music plays. I also got to meet other mums and dads with babies around the same age. It became one of the joys of raising a child, and it was a very comfortable place to be.
Parent
More music for your child
Piano lessons from age 3. One-to-one lessons for children start at age 3. Prices →
piano pod. A relaxed gathering at the piano, once every three to four months at S-pod, Imadegawa. Babies are welcome with a parent, and it is even better if the parent plays. You are welcome to just watch, too. Next: Saturday, November 28. Prices →
For the adults, too. Piano lessons for adults →