Sacred Journey of Ku-kai is first in a series of albums intended to address personal and global concerns alongside forward-thinking views of spiritual growth. Kitaro has embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage, visiting temples on the island of Shikoku, Japan once undertaken by Buddhist holy man, Ku-kai, more than 1,100 years ago. Sampling bells sounds from each temple, Kitaro distills their essence with inspired musical landscapes.

From the opening chant of the Yakushiji monks, it is apparent that this is going to be a special offering from Kitaro. The legendary World Music pioneer's live album is a two-disc set recorded over three evenings in the sacred Yakushiji Temple in the ancient Japanese capital, Nara. Live in Yakushiji is a broad and deep journey, to inner realms as well as exotic earthly destinations.

Kitaro crafts this musical journey from the ancient chronicle (Kojiki) that recounts the birth of Japan and it’s people. Featuring the string section from the Skywalker Symphony, along with Kitaro’s signature keyboard and flute sounds, the score to this thematic backdrop is full of passion and beauty that is masterfully conceived, arranged and performed. There are more classical elements on this record, and a more "composed" feel to the songwriting.