Symphony brings Kukai's inspiring story to global audiences

The production features nearly 150 musicians from around the world and takes place in a concert hall with nearly 1,800 audiences.

Yue Yongde, the representative of the producer Tianguzhiyin Culture Media Co Ltd said, "We have been dedicated to promoting Kukai through various means – including publishing Kukai's books, producing documentaries, and creating music about him – since 2001."

"Kukai's spirit is universal, transcending language, culture, nationality, and even time." he added.

Composed by Zou Ye, a renowned composer with the China Philharmonic Orchestra, the symphony was completed in 2023 to commemorate the 1,250th anniversary of Kukai's birth and to celebrate Sino-Japanese friendship.

The symphony is divided into six chapters, recounting the life and spirit of Kukai, who traveled to China in 804 during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), where he studied under Master Huiguo and formed a profound bond with him.

After finishing his studies, Kukai returned to Japan in 806, where he spread Buddhism widely and introduced culture and advanced technologies from the Tang Dynasty in a systematic and comprehensive manner that benefited the Japanese people.