Welcome to Kyoto
"A Walk in mysterious Places"
Welcome to Kyoto, a city where time-honored traditions and timeless beauty converge in a symphony of culture and nature. As you step into this enchanting world, you'll embark on a journey through the heart of Japan's rich history and unmatched serenity. Nestled among the lush hills of Kansai, Kyoto's landscapes are a living canvas of cherry blossoms in spring, fiery foliage in autumn, and serene gardens year-round. The resplendent Arashiyama Bamboo Grove stands as a testament to nature's artistry, inviting you into its ethereal embrace. Kyoto's historic architecture is a living testament to its imperial past. The awe-inspiring Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the serene Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) will transport you to a world of exquisite beauty. Kyoto Imperial Palace offers a glimpse into Japan's regal heritage. Discover the harmony of Japanese tea culture in Kyoto, where centuries-old tea houses invite you to savor matcha green tea in traditional ceremonies. The picturesque Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates is a spiritual haven waiting to be explored. Kyoto's culinary delights are an art form in themselves. Savor kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal, at a ryokan, or delve into the world of sushi, ramen, and tempura at local eateries. Don't forget to explore the bustling Nishiki Market, a gastronomic treasure trove. Experience the beauty of geisha culture in the Gion district, where these enchanting figures gracefully dance through the streets, preserving a timeless tradition. Witness a mesmerizing performance or engage in a traditional tea ceremony to immerse yourself in Kyoto's heritage. The city's ancient streets are a tapestry of history, with preserved machiya townhouses and traditional merchant stalls. Wander through the charming streets of Higashiyama, where old-world charm meets contemporary vibrancy. Kyoto's zen gardens provide respite for the soul. Visit the enchanting Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan's most famous rock garden, and breathe in the tranquility of the world-renowned Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Art enthusiasts will be captivated by Kyoto's rich artistic legacy. Explore the Kyoto National Museum and the vibrant contemporary art scene in the city, where past and present creatively intersect. As you delve into Kyoto's cultural mosaic, you'll find that the city's essence is like a finely crafted haiku, filled with moments of quiet reflection and vibrant revelation. So, embark on a journey to Kyoto and let this city's ancient beauty and modern vibrancy become your muse. Your adventure begins in Kyoto, where the past dances with the present in perfect harmony!
Host City / Kyoto, Japan
Venue / Kyoto Concert Hall
Hosts / Chiaki Kuriyama and Hideaki Takizawa
Participating countries / 35
Debuting countries / Liechtenstein
Returning countries / Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain
Withdrawing countries / France, Hungary, Italy, Sweden and Turkey
Debuting players / Edgardo for Barbados and Jenny for Liechtenstein
Venue / Kyoto Concert Hall
Hosts / Chiaki Kuriyama and Hideaki Takizawa
Participating countries / 35
Debuting countries / Liechtenstein
Returning countries / Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain
Withdrawing countries / France, Hungary, Italy, Sweden and Turkey
Debuting players / Edgardo for Barbados and Jenny for Liechtenstein
Returning Artists
The Result
Countries receiving most 12 points / Australia, Barbados, Belgium and Norway, 3
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Romania, Puerto Rico and Netherlands
Countries receiving points from most juries / Belgium, 17
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Canada in 7th place with 10 points from Russia and Denmark as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Germany in 16th place getting 12 points from Brazil
It was a close race for victory in Kyoto with 7 different countries taking the lead at one point in the voting. Our eventual champion, Norway, did not take the lead until more than halfway through the voting procedure, and in the end only 3 points separated the top 3. Belgium took home the silver medal, while Spain won the bronze. Iceland and Denmark rounded out the top 5.
Norway debuted in GM04, but had a tumultuous start with three different HoDs in their three first participations. The third brought Norway their first medal, one of silver, in GM08 and followed that up with another one in GM13. Several other top 10 results were achieved before Norway took a break again after GM18. The 4th and current HoD, Guy, brought Norway back just last edition and now claims gold with his second effort. This is Norway's 15th participation and they have never failed to reach the final, where they have now achieved 7 top 10 results including 3 medals. Well done Norway, Dina and Guy!
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Romania, Puerto Rico and Netherlands
Countries receiving points from most juries / Belgium, 17
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Canada in 7th place with 10 points from Russia and Denmark as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Germany in 16th place getting 12 points from Brazil
It was a close race for victory in Kyoto with 7 different countries taking the lead at one point in the voting. Our eventual champion, Norway, did not take the lead until more than halfway through the voting procedure, and in the end only 3 points separated the top 3. Belgium took home the silver medal, while Spain won the bronze. Iceland and Denmark rounded out the top 5.
Norway debuted in GM04, but had a tumultuous start with three different HoDs in their three first participations. The third brought Norway their first medal, one of silver, in GM08 and followed that up with another one in GM13. Several other top 10 results were achieved before Norway took a break again after GM18. The 4th and current HoD, Guy, brought Norway back just last edition and now claims gold with his second effort. This is Norway's 15th participation and they have never failed to reach the final, where they have now achieved 7 top 10 results including 3 medals. Well done Norway, Dina and Guy!
The Winner
Scoreboards and Live Voting
Voting
12, 10, 8...1 point for your top 10
In the final you also have to choose 3 substitutes
The voting forms are here / Semi final and Final
In the final you also have to choose 3 substitutes
The voting forms are here / Semi final and Final
Watching the Videos
All the videos are in the YouTube playlist at TVGlobalMusic