Kyoto Tachibana S.H.S. Band
京都橘高等高校 吹奏楽部
Kyoto, Japan
Founded in 1961 with the original goal of improving girls’ health, the band is one of the first female Marching Bands in Japan. Since 2000, however, the band has been mixed-gender, typically consisting of about 100 members. Their trademark orange uniform with short skirt, designed by a band alumna, is regarded as a symbol of luck. In 2005 they adopted a unique, intricately choreographed “dancing style” of marching which has garnered admiration both in Japan and internationally. The band operates with a high degree of independence, with committees of band members making decisions on most matters, like music choices, choreography design, and more.
The band travels extensively throughout Japan, performing at around 100 events a year, and occasionally abroad, including appearances at the Rose Parade in the US (2012, 2018, and 2025) and in Taiwan (2022 and 2023). In 2022, they became the first international group invited to perform at Taiwan’s National Day Ceremonies. In 2023, their shows in Taiwan attracted audiences numbering in the tens of thousands. They have participated in brass band competitions in Japan organized by the All-Japan Band Association since the band’s inception and have achieved considerable success, especially in the Marching Contest. The band frequently features on Japanese radio, TV, and in print media, and has collaborated with the professional entertainment industry on several occasions, most notably playing in the soundtrack of the Annie Awards-nominated anime movie “Belle” by Mamoru Hosoda. They are also the model for a famous marching band in the anime series “Sound! Euphonium”.
The band has risen to international fame through thousands of high-quality videos on YouTube, Facebook, and other video-sharing platforms, amassing several hundred million views views combined. Their videos attract comments in dozens of languages, and the band’s Unofficial Fan Blog boasts visitors from 154 countries and regions.
More detailed background articles in this blog are here:
– Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ),
– Band,
– School,
– Competitions,
– Hibike! Euphonium.
Contact form of the school, click here.
I have noticed that a few students are playing a very long saxophone that I have never seen before. I have searched everywhere online but cannot find any like them. Can you tell me what brand of saxophone it is or what is its name? It is much taller than all the regular saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass). Almost as tall as the student! Some of them are black. Any info on these saxophones would be greatly appreciated.
Rod
LikeLike
Aren’t you thinking about bass clarinet, if it’s black?
LikeLike
Yes! I think you are correct! I was thinking it was a saxophone since it has the same curves in the tube that are characteristic of most saxophones. I searched for bass clarinet, and yes, that is the instrument they are playing! Thank you so much!
LikeLike
the music and choreography are amazing! thank you for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just love love love watching your videos and smile all the way through them ….you are amazing and uplifting XX
LikeLiked by 2 people
We have been following your band for several years and have enjoyed your excellence in showmanship and musical ability!
LikeLiked by 1 person