Release Date : August 23, 2024
Catalog : 73301-2
Format : CD + DVD, Digital Download (AAC, Mp3)
DVD Region : 0 (All)

Zen - Live In Katsuyama was recorded in November 2023 at the Daishizan Seidai-ji Temple in Fukui, Japan. The performance by Kitaro and his ensemble commemorated the 35th anniversary of the temple's founding. The concert features Kitaro's most acclaimed and well-known compositions as well as rarely played classics.  

The most striking feature of the temple, also known as Echizen Daibutsu, is a 17-meter statue of Birushana Nyorai, one of the earliest Buddhist deities to arrive in Japan in the 6th century. The statue is commonly referred to as the Great Buddha of Echizen and is the tallest seated Buddha statue in Japan. The Buddha is flanked by four standing Bodhisattva statues, all of which are surrounded by over a thousand smaller stone statues. The five-storied pagoda that sits adjacent to the temple is also the tallest of its kind in Japan. For years, visitors have enjoyed breathtaking and impressive panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and mountainside from these buildings.

The accompanying DVD contains stunning footage of the temple, its surrounding grounds and Kitaro's live performance staged in front of the Great Buddha statue. 

As Kitaro notes, "For many years, I have always strived to create a memorable and exciting spiritual live concert experience with breathtaking visuals. For this performance, my intention was to delve deeper into my past and include music that I have not performed anywhere previously. I am grateful and appreciative to those in my audiences that have supported me throughout many decades. This performance reflects my heartfelt delight and appreciation of those many years and many enthusiastic audiences."

Kitaro's autograph is located within the included booklet.

CD + DVD : In addition to the album, an 85 minute DVD-Video that captures this memorable live performance is included.

| T R A C K S |
CD (Disc 1)
01. Prayer For Mother Earth
02. Mercury
03. Silk Road
04. Aqua
05. Requiem
06. Hajimari
07. Sozo
08. Orochi
09. Sitara
10. Gaia
11. Matsuri
12. Reimei

DVD (Disc 2)
01. Prayer For Mother Earth
02. Monks Prayer
03. Mercury
04. Silk Road
05. Aqua
06. Requiem
07. Hajimari
08. Sozo
09. Koi
10. Orochi
11. Sitara
12. Gaia
13. Matsuri
14. Reimei

| C R E D I T S |
Kitaro : Taiko Drum, Keyboards, Electric Sitar, Flute
Hiroshi Araki : Guitar
Shizuka Kashima : Violin
Norimaru : Percussion
Yurika Shibano : Butoh Dancer

Composed, Arranged and Produced by Kitaro
Directed by Aamuro Kanda (Video)
Recorded by Dino Malito
Mixed by Kitaro
Mastered by Gavin Lurssen
Executive Producer : Eiichi Naito
Artists + Repertoire : Dino Malito
Graphic Art + Design : Kio Griffith