The Japanese have a long tradition of anthropomorphizing animals and appreciating their cuteness. Perhaps the most iconic example of this is Choju-Giga ("Scrolls of Frolicking Animals"). The scenes of frogs, rabbits, and monkeys at play seem less like an attempt to create a grand historical masterpiece, and more like casual sketches or playful doodles - drawn freely and with a sense of fun. I wrote this piece with the hope of capturing that same feeling.

The clarinet solo at the beginning, along with the main theme from section A, should be performed with a rich, expressive tone. In contrast, faster sections such as B and I should be light and playful, evoking the cheerful antics of animals at play. While the opening solo is written for clarinet, it can be substituted with another instrument if better suited to the ensemble's sound. Please feel free to adapt the solo to the instrument that will produce the most effective result for your group.

(Hirokazu Fukushima)