Writers in Kyoto held its Words & Music open-mic style event on July 16, 2023, in a return to an in-person format. The date was, of course, yoi-yama, the eve of the Gion Festival’s first procession, and we enjoyed that atmosphere at the event venue, the Gnome Irish pub. A number of participants came dressed in yukata.

Above: photos from WiK’s Words & Music open-mic event at the Gnome Irish pub on July 16.
(Click images for larger views.)

The show consisted of 11 acts by 14 performers. It was a characteristically diverse field of poetry, music, short stories, song, talk and a Buddhist chant.

A few of the performances were videotaped and they are planned to be released on the members’ Facebook page. Members who were unable to attend this round of Words & Music are encouraged to prepare a presentation of their own that can be shared on Facebook in the same spirit. Work doesn’t have to be original; cited writings that will be of interest to members — and perhaps tickle their creativity — are also welcome.

Thank you to performers and attendees for bringing this event into being.