TOKYO CULTURETOKYO CULTURE
Photo: From the top left to the bottom right
Cloud pavilion, Sou Fujimoto, photo: Keizo Kioku/ The Speed of Light ©Kazuyuki Matsumoto / masayume, 目 [mé] , 2019-21, Photo: KANEDA Kozo / Exhibition of manga《What if Tokyo》/ Suimei, Kazuyo Sejima, photo: Kazuyo Sejima & Associates / ONE -Our New Episode-Presented by Japan Airlines -MAZEKOZE Island Tour / INCLUSIVENIPPON 2020 Noh and Kyogen special performance from Shinagawa City/ Kabuki “Shakkyo”, Kikunosuke Onoe © Japan Arts Council / Rediscover Tohoku MOCCO’s Journeyfrom Tohoku to Tokyo Presented by ENEOS/ How the work was created (Keido Ishige)

Cultural Programme Pamphlet in Tokyo

What are cultural programmes?

■Four Cultural Festivals

3■Interviews

5

Stories heard from people involved in the programmes
As stated in the fundamental principles in the Olympic Charter by the International Olympic
Committee, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are a festival not only of sports but alsoof culture.
In the recent games, various cultural programmes have been held at various locations
around the host cities, during the period from the closing of the previous Olympic andParalympic Games until the closing ceremony of the next Games.
Tokyo boasts various arts and cultures, including traditional performing arts such as
kabuki, noh, pop culture such as animation, manga, and the latest media arts,
all of which have become part of our lives.
Various programmes were implemented for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic
Games, which gave Japan an opportunity to showcase its arts and culture.

Contemporary artist, Katsuhiko Hibino/ Painter, Mimi Yokoo/ MAZEKOZE Island Tour General organizer, Chizuru Azuma"Rediscover Tohoku- MOCCOʼs Journey from Tohoku to Tokyo- Presented by ENEOS" Creative director, Michihiko Yanai
Noriko Yagasaki, Professor, Tokyo Womanʼs Christian University/ Cultural Policy Researcher, Yoshiyuki Oshita■Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL

11

Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL Special 13
SUPER WALL ART TOKYO/ masayume/ Pavilion Tokyo 2021/ The Speed of Light/ The Constant Gardeners
Light and Sound Installation “Coded Field”
TOKYO SENTO Festival 2020/ TOKYO REAL UNDERGROUND/ DANCE TRUCK TOKYOWorld Performing Arts Forum/ After-school Diversity Dance
SUMIDA RIVER: Storm and Urge/ Exhibition of manga《What if Tokyo》
Tokyo Caravan/ TURN/ Summer Festival Opera 2019–20 Japan↔Tokyo↔WorldTOKYO MET SaLaD MUSIC FESTIVAL/ FUROSHIKI TOKYOTOKYO CULTURE LIVE STUDIO/ Tokyo Media Center introducing Japanese culture to the world
Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony
Roppongi Art Night/ TOPACO/ Genkyo Yokoo Tadanori/ A New Fine Day Shinoyama Kishin
Isamu Noguchi: Ways of Discovery/ RENÉ LALIQUE REMIX/ Splendors of Edo: Rites of the Samurai,
Festivals of the Merchants
Color Sumo Wood-Block Prints and Edo Culture/ Ensembles Tokyo/ Heaven Artists
Tokyo Festival/ Tokyo Festival Special Performance Fantastic Site/ Shibuya StreetDance Week
Performance Kids Tokyo/ Legendary Tamatebako/ Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour

■Tokyo 2020 NIPPON Festival

27

Wassai/ ONE -Our New Episode- Presented by Japan Airlines- MAZEKOZE Island Tour
Rediscover Tohoku- MOCCOʼs Journey from Tohoku to Tokyo- Presented by ENEOSCANAL ART MOMENT SHINAGAWA 2021/ The concert played by the kocarina made of the National Stadium tree
The Mahabharata～Chapter of Desire/Chapter of Tempest/ INCLUSIVE NIPPON/ Premium Yosakoi in Tokyo
Yabusame Ceremony to Wish for the Safe Holding/ Tamabi DNA - A Genealogy of Contemporary Nihonga
Performing Arts of Edo-Tokyo

This Pamphlet has been created as part of the efforts to introduce the appeal of the cultural programme implemented for
the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, The Tokyo Organising
Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Government of Japan. Various cultural programmes, including
the projects introduced in this Pamphlet , were held to set the mood for the Games and introduce the appeal of Tokyoʼsand Japanʼs arts and cultures to people in Japan and abroad. We aim to contribute to the further development of cultures
after the Games based on the experience and the achievements we gained from the cultural programmes.

Cultural Programme Pamphlet in Tokyo
Issued: XX, 2021
Edited and published by the Planning and Coordination Section, Culture Promotion■Japan Cultural Expo30

■beyond2020

34

Special exhibition “The Mount Fuji Challenges: Hokusai and Hiroshige”
Special Exhibition in Commemoration of the 260th Birth Anniversary, “The Complete Hokusai” Immersive Theater
HOKUSAIKIMONO: Fashioning Identities/ Sacred Treasures from Ancient Nara: The Eleven-Headed Kannon of Shōrinji Temple
Kuma Kengo, Five Purr-fect Points for a New Public SpaceJapanese Architecture - Traditional Skills and Natural Materials
Kōgei 2020 -The Art of Crafting Beauty from Nature- Kōgei Dining
Nature in Japan and the Spirit of Sho, “200 Selected Works by Japanese Calligraphers - in commemoration of theTokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games”
Special Exhibition National Parks of Japan: Stories to Experience/ Japan Cultural Expo Special Performance Japanese Music, Song and DanceJapan Cultural Expo Special Performance at the Kokyo Gaien National Garden -Representation of Prayer-

Division, Bureau of Citizens and Cultural Affairs
2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo Tel. 03-5320-7763
Print C and Z Communication Co., Ltd
Registration Number(31)86

1

LIVE JAPAN/ National Museums & The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo X Isetan Mitsukoshi - Collaboration
Project Introduction of the Japanese food culture business/ Talk to offer help/ Support Campaign

2The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Four Cultural Festivals

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a festival not only of sports but also of culture. Since the Rio deJaneiro 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo Organising
Committee, and government of Japan implemented various cultural programmes.
Though many projects were not implemented as originally planned because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many
people participated in the programme as we took thorough preventive measures against COVID-19 and utilized
innovative ideas to implement various programmes without making them less attractive.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL

3

The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee

Tokyo 2020 Nippon Festival

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games
achieved success even in these difficult times
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games were forced to
be postponed for one year from the summer of 2020 due to theglobal outbreak of COVID-19. In addition, the Games were held
when Tokyo and other areas were under a state of emergency, withno spectators at 37 venues out of 42 (excluding Miyagi, Ibaraki, andShizuoka), exciting games were played for about one month withthorough COVID-19 preventive measures. The Games ended
successfully, encouraging and inspiring people all over the world.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs

Japan Cultural Expo

Cabinet Secretariat/
The Agency for Cultural Affairs

The beyond2020 program

As the host city of the Olympic and Paralympic

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are not only

Timed to coincide with the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and

It is a project to certify cultural programmes that feature

Games, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government launchedabout sports but also one of the largest festivals of peace

Paralympic games, the Japan Cultural Expo is a nationwide festival

the diverse regional cultures that are Japanʼs strengths andTokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL for various cultural programmes

in the world. Cultural programmes are an essential partpresenting a year-round programme leveraging the tourism andthat contribute to the creation of a legacy suitable for a

to introduce the attractions of the city of art and culture.

of the Games as a way of promoting a peaceful society

cultural resources that are the pride of the various regions of Japan.

mature society that we can boast of to the next generation.

It was a great opportunity to enable people to see theand as a symbol of human solidarity. They are also able

Through exhibitions, performing arts productions, and arts festivals

From traditional arts to the contents, food culture, festivals,

attractions of Tokyo's art and culture scene, by holding

to promote mutual understanding and encourage global

showcasing the arts of Japan, the Japan Cultural Expo encompasses

and traditional crafts that attract attention from all over thevarious genres of programmes both offline and online,

unity and cooperation. The Nippon Festival has becomea year-round programme that explores culture throughout the fourworld as Cool Japan, programmes of various genres were

where Japan's traditions and modern culture andan event where excitement met diversity around Japan,

seasons under the overarching theme, “Humanity and Nature inheld around Japan by a wide range of organizations. Eachvarious cultures from all around world coexist.

and various people and cultures interacted with each

Japan: Exploring the Arts from Antiquity to the Present.” Various

certified project made various efforts, such as barrier-freeother.

programmes are held mainly during the year of the Tokyo 2020

access for the disabled and translations into multiple

Olympic and Paralympic Games and before and after that period.

languages.

4Cultural Programme PR Pamphlet Interview

Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL

Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL

Katsuhiko Hibino Contemporary artist/ Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts,
Tokyo University of the Arts

Painter Mimi Yokoo

Hoping that the huge murals painted over
two years have opened up the minds of thepeople who looked up at them

TURN will make a huge differencein the changing times.
PROFILEPROFILE

Katsuhiko Hibino. Born in Gifu. Supervisor of TURN/From Land to Sea (Exploring Peopleʼs
Innate Capabilities)2014-2015, the joint exhibition by the art brut museums sponsored by the
Nippon Foundation. Has been working as the supervisor of TURN, the leading project of theTokyo Metropolitan Government that has led the Cultural Programme of the Tokyo 2020
Olympic and Paralympic Games since FY 2015.

Mimi Yokoo. Born in Tokyo. Her first exhibition was the Tadanori & Mimi YOKOO exhibition in
1994. Has been holding solo exhibitions in Tokyo and other areas around Japan since 1995.
Recently collaborated with Issey Miyake in “me ISSEY MIYAKEʼs MIMI YOKOO” collections
from the first series (2017) to the third series (2020).

Please tell us about the outline and concept of TURN.

disability. Unlike war, there is no hate. It is a huge

Please tell us how you felt when you were approachedYou had to work on your murals in the COVID-19 crisis.

The art project called TURN focuses on interacting

challenge that people are facing everywhere in theabout Super Wall Art Tokyo and the process of creating

Please tell us how it influenced your situation and state

mainly with people from welfare-related facilities andworld. I believe there are so many things humans havethe murals.

of mind?

minority communities so that arts can help solve

to learn from this challenge. We should do what we can

When I heard about the project in 2019, actually I just

The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games werevarious social issues. TURN aims to deliver the works

do now instead of having regrets about what we canʼt

couldnʼt believe it because it didnʼt feel real as the project was

postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Evencreated through interactions between artists and those

do or what we have lost. The same thing can be said

too grandiose. As I was told that the murals were going to be

in 2021, I wasnʼt sure whether my work would really bepeople to inform society of the situation and issues andabout the arts. I hopedisplayed to set the mood for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic anddisplayed. So, I spent my days feeling disappointed.

make the public understand them more deeply.

we can consider thisParalympic Games and the theme was fire, “flame” andWhile preparing for this project, I couldnʼt invite manydifficulty just as one“Olympic torch” came to my mind. I just wanted to add somepeople to come see my work when it was completed, so

Please tell us what the TURN project means toof the characteristics ofpeaceful elements to the powerful image of fire, so I decided

I had mixed feelings. As for the concept of my work, I

artists.

our times and positively

to use the motifs of angels and animals that I frequently use

came to hope that it could burn the COVID-19 crisis and

For the artists participating in TURN, an environment

deliver something wein my works. I created the murals through trial error.

purify the whole city. As

where they can meet new people, experience newcreate utilizing what wethings, and interact with people with different

learn from this situation.

perspectives from theirs is very attractive, and suchdifferences inspire them to explore new forms of

we donʼt look up at the

The works exhibited at TURN Fes

Please tell us about the future of TURN.

What is your impression of Marunouchi, the area wheresky very often in our daily

Super Wall Art Tokyo was displayed?

lives, I just hoped my

As soon as I got this offer, I visited the venue. When I

work would help people

artistic expression. As we continue this project, there

As the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

looked at the Marunouchi Building

look up and open up theirare many opportunities for us to meet someone orended, this yearʼs TURN programme came to an end.

and the Shin-Marunouchi Building

minds.

something that turns everything we thought was

However, the individual artists and facilities willwith Tokyo Station in the background,common knowledge upside down. I would venture tocontinue their relationships as they have alreadyI felt something special in the air,

Please tell us about the responses you got and yoursay TURN is like a cultural facility where you canstrongly bonded. Such relationships are not one-sided.

and it gave me the impression of afuture plans.

discover values different from yours, a place where

They have equal relationships, and the artists also try

sacred place. I felt like those twoSome people said the huge murals looked like ayour values are turned upside down.

to learn something from the facilities and createbuildings standing at the starting

cathedral in Europe, and I also received some feedback,something great. In addition, the way people appreciatepoint of the straight road leading tosuch as “The size was overwhelming.” However, it was a

Please tell us the significance of holding TURN in thearts changes from year to year. Now people think

the Imperial Palace were like a gate.

shame that it was hard to see the work as a whole

COVID-19 crisis.

artworks are not something to appreciate only in art

As I had to create a work to be displayed

because of the window frames of the buildings. When themuseums. In these changing times, I believe the TURN

at this sacred place, I braced myself

COVID-19 pandemic ends, I hope I will be able to have anfor it.

opportunity to show my original work as a whole.

We are in the situation where we have to fight aninvisible enemy regardless of country, race, and5project will make a huge difference in the future.

Works under the theme of“fire (ignis)” (partial image)Mimi Yokoo giving a speechat the launch event

6Cultural Programme PR Pamphlet Interview

Tokyo 2020 Nippon Festival

Tokyo 2020 Nippon Festival

MAZEKOZE Island Tour General Organiser, Producer,
and Executive Director Chizuru Azuma"Rediscover Tohoku- MOCCOʼs Journey from Tohoku to Tokyo- Presented
by ENEOS" Creative director, Michihiko Yanai

Hoping that the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will
spread the current situation of and message from the Tohoku
region recovering from the Great East Japan Earthquake

Hoping that this programme can help people realise
how attractive and pleasant a diverse society is.
PROFILEPROFILE

Born in Hiroshima, Chizuru Azuma entered the show business after working as a company
employee and is the director of Get in touch Japan. In October 2012, she established Get in touch
Japan to realise a mazekoze society where nobody is excluded and where everyone can live by theirown values through arts, music, films and stage performances.

Michihiko Yanai. Born in Fukushima. Has produced a number of ad campaigns that transcend
stereotypes. Has been engaging in a wide range of activities, such as hosting TV and radio shows
and playing the guitar in the rock band Inawashirokos, as well as emceeing NHKʼs TV show Top
Runner and is still expanding activities.

ⓒProduction Pao Inc

Please tell us about the appeal of ONE -Our New EpisodePresented by Japan Airlines MAZEKOZE Island Tour.

I was on pins and needles because the government

It was in 2013 when Tokyo won the bid for the Olympic and

MOCCO seems difficult tokept declaring states of emergency, making our cast

Paralympic Games under the slogan “Recovery Olympics.” My friends inapproach at first. However, as

We created this programme for the audience to bemembers unable to come to Tokyo. We managed it by

Tohoku became angry and cried from the anger and frustration. They

we travel with it, we feel closer toabsorbed in music and performances by unique artists

reorganising and adjusting the filming schedule. The castsaid, “If they just used Tohoku to win the bid and the Recovery Olympics

it. I think the same thing can bethat transcend stereotypes, such as gender, age,members were so passionate and determined to

end up just as an empty slogan, I wonʼt forgive them.” I felt the samenationality, or ability, to appreciate the arts, to enjoy

perform, so we never gave up and the people around us

way. Though I was determined to distance myself from the Olympics, I

interacting with people with colourful personalities while

helped a lot. I think, because of the pandemic we were

thought I had to make the Games at least worthwhile for people insupporting the recovery of the region and bearing the pain. Many people

laughing, dancing, and singing with them, and at the sameable to unite more and yield good results.

Tohoku if we couldnʼt stop them from being held. Thatʼs why I accepted

had to deal with something for which there was no right answer. The

the offer to direct the programme “Rediscover Tohoku – MOCCOʼsdifference in perspective caused distrust, gaps, and barriers among

islands on which you

What kind of impact do you expect this programme to

Journey from Tohoku to Tokyo.”people. Everyoneʼs choice should be respected if the answers they find to

would experience the joy

have on society in the future?

time, to be stirred. This is an adventurous tour of nine

The giant puppet MOCCO moves when people join forces and work

said about the people of Tohoku
Touring Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima then to Tokyo

who have been patiently

the problem are not the same.

and comfort of mazekoze

I don't think a single film can have a significant impact

together. The team members get in sync with each other and pull strings

The COVID-19 pandemic has widened the divisions among people thatand get to know how

at home or internationally. Rather, I hope it will help

one by one to operate MOCCO expressively. Such efforts are needed in

had been originally caused by the difference of opinion on the holding of

attractive diversity and an

open doors to the business and entertainment industries

todayʼs society. People with different views and stances join forces to

the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Many people must have felt that

inclusive society are.

including show business. It will be the ideal if TV series

achieve the same goal. MOCCO delivered the messages from the people

humans were not good at everything. The biggest legacy the Tokyoand films feature people with different abilities andof Tohoku all the way to Tokyo.

Olympic and Paralympic Games left for the future is that various

Please tell us the significance of holding this programme insexual minorities in regular school, workplace and home

One of the messages MOCCO

problems the Olympic and Paralympic Games were revealed. I think thatthe midst of COVID-19 pandemic, what kind of measuressettings, or feature diverse cast members in comedy or

received in Rikuzentakata said,

this programme also played a role in finding a clue as to how people who

you took and what kind of difficulties you faced.

music programmes, instead of only focusing on their“Maybe the physical recovery of

had once been separated from each other could reconnect with eachdifficulties and making emotional stories of them

the region has progressed, butother, instead of widening the divisions. Disasters are still happening

overcome the hardships.

Azuma produced the programme and also performed

The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened divisions,widened inequalities, worsened conflicts, andour emotional recovery has notaround Japan and the world. I hope the Tohoku region recovering fromdramatically increased the number of people living

even begun.” The recovery of thethe earthquake can put a smile

through hardship. I believe many people feel the need of

Tohoku region has not beenon the faces of people around thesocial solidarity but they might at a loss as to what to do.

completed yet. The Recovery

world and cheer them up.

To achieve solidarity, we need to understand how diverse

Olympic is not the “Completly

our society is. I hope the film we created will help people

Recovered Olympic” but theto realise that they are part of diverse society and theneed to make the diverse society more comfortable.
7

Collaboration between rapper GOMESS andwheelchair dancer Kenta Kanbara.

“Partially Recovered Olympic.”
MOCCO measures more than
10 meters tall

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, July 17, 2021

8

Cultural Programme PR Pamphlet Interview

Japan Cultural Expo

Japan Cultural Expo

Noriko Yagasaki, Professor, School of Arts and Sciences,
Tokyo Womanʼs Christian University

Yoshiyuki Oshita, Cultural Policy Researcher/Professor,
Faculty of Economics, Doshisha University

Connecting people across disciplines andspotlighting Japanese culture

Held in all the prefectures with the participation of variousorganizations, including those from the private sector

PROFILEPROFILE

Noriko Yagasaki. Born in Hokkaido. Has been working as a professor at Tokyo Womanʼs Christian University since April 2019
after working at Sumitomo Bank, deputy chief consultant in The Japan Research Institute, Limited, Director for tourism economy
for the Japan Tourism Agency, specially appointed associate professor of the Faculty of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo
Metropolitan University, and professor of the Faculty of International Tourism Management, Toyo University and Chairperson of
the Tourism Subcommittee, the Council for Transport Policy, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Yoshiyuki Oshita. Born in Tokyo. Working as an advisor and committee member for various local
governments, such as deputy director of the Shizuoka Prefecture Cultural Programme Promotion
Committee for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and advisor for UNESCO Creative
City of Gastronomy Tsuruoka. Publications include “Arts Council” (Suiyosha).

Please tell us about the outline and appeal of the Japanthe audience. I think that helped connect culture and those who

Cultural Expo.

were in other areas, such as tourism and commerce in the region.

The Japan Cultural Expo is a cultural programme that was

Please tell us the characteristics of the Japan Cultural Expo.

and children at the New National Theatre. Tokyo. The third

One of the major characteristics of the cultural programme forachievement is the development of the new role model that will

the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games is that thecontribute to the development of artists and the promotion of the

stakeholders involved in the holding of the Olympic andarts. I think such a role model was developed in “BreakthroughParalympic Games planned and implemented their own

Journey”, the dance drama performed in Osaka. It is a big

programmes, unlike the Cultural Programme for the London

achievement and a legacy of the programme that it provided an

2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Based on this, I think theopportunity for people to do whatever they wanted to regardless

Japan Cultural Expo is practically positioned as one of theof disability. The fourth achievement is the encouragement of

cultural programmes. The Expo is also characterized especially

civic pride in each region. One of the examples is “Upopoy”, theby the fact that the events were held in all the prefectures, thefacility opened in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, and the culture andprogramme covered a wide range of genres, and it was a culturalarts exchange project held there. The fifth achievement is thelaunched in 2019. Though there are various objectives, the main

Please tell us the impact the Japan Cultural Expo had in Japan.

objective is to introduce the appeal of Japan to people all over the

The Japan Cultural Expo promoted digitalization and enabledworld. Personally, I wanted to offer something better than thepeople all over the world to watch the content through online

cultural programme for the London 2012 Olympic andstreaming, which led to the recreation of the appeal of Japanese

Paralympic Games. As we were able to hold events in all theculture and the arts. We were able to discover new appeals that

prefectures, the diverse beauties of Japan that each region had

we had not known by getting feedback from people all over thewere introduced through the Japan Cultural Expo. Thatʼ s whatworld in real time. I think it meant a lot because there weremade the Expo even more special.

various things we learned from the Expo.

Please tell us the significance of holding the Expo in the

Please tell us about the measures each organization took, theprogramme in which various organizations including private

drastic expansion of the number of people who can participate

difficulties they had, and their achievements in the COVID-19

companies voluntarily participated.

even indirectly through online streaming. In addition, content

COVID-19 crisis.
First of all, though we faced a very difficult situation in thedigitization enabled the contents to be passed down to future

crisis.

Please tell us the achievements of the Japan Cultural Expo

generations. I think we were able to achieve this result because

and what kind of legacy it has left.

we fought back against the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 crisis, all members of the participating organizations

I highly appreciate their efforts to fully prepare themselves totook every possible measure, and we were able to hold more thansafely hold their events during the COVID-19 crisis. I hope they

80% of the planned programmes. I think I canʼt emphasize thiswill make use of this experience when holding major meaningfulIʼll talk about the achievement and legacy as of now because

achievement enough. I believe it is because we had to hold theevents like the Expo. Though every organization had a hard time

the Japan Cultural Expo is still being held. The first achievement

Please tell us what you expect from the Japan Cultural Expo in

Expo in the unexpected high-risk situation where eachbecause they had to bear the unexpected cost of ensuring safety

participating organization reconsidered the significance of holding

at the venues, they made positive efforts to do whatever theyis the development of new partnerships and collaborative

the future.

the Expo. Then, they came to understand its purpose and goals

could. I think that is a legacy that will make a difference in the

more clearly, which led to the firm root of the flower of diversity

future. In addition, at the feature exhibitions, as they limited theof the Expo, and were able to introduce the diverse beauties ofnumber of visitors for each time slot by making them use aJapan more effectively. Moreover, we had originally planned to let

reservation system, visitors were able to enjoy the exhibitions in apeople from overseas directly experience and discover therelaxed manner. I think that significantly improved the experiential

beauties of Japan, which became impossible due to thevalue for visitors when they enjoyed culture and the arts.

COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we limited the number of people in9

relationships. One of the examples is “GO FOR KOGEI”, the first

It is rare for international events like the Tokyo Olympic andexhibition where crafts met art brut. This programme was held in

Paralympic Games in 2021 and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, inthree prefectures in the Hokuriku region: Toyama, Ishikawa, and2025 to be held at short intervals. I expect the Japan Cultural

Fukui. It was a good example of a programme that connects

Expo project to, looking toward 2025, develop programmes that

culture and tourism. The second achievement is the introduction

take advantage of the legacy that the artists and art organizationsof cutting-edge technologies. One of the leading programmes ishave achieved through the Expo and fully play the roles that the“Super Angels”, a new style of opera performed by the androids

Expo was originally expected to play when the COVID-19 ends.
10Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL Special 13

SUPER WALL ART TOKYO
Marunouchi Building andShin-Marunouchi Building
transformed into hugecanvases
It is one of the largest works of public
ar t in the world that was planned toconvey a symbolic message of Tokyo
Tokyo FESTIVAL. The two buildings infront of Tokyo Station were used as a pairof canvases, and the two huge murals withapprox. 150 m in height and approx. 35 m
in width were exhibited. As a cultural
programme to be remembered by people,
the magnificent artwork exhibited in theurban space boldly spread the beauty ofTokyo as a city of arts and culture to theworld.
“Super Wall Art Tokyo” Drill Inc.

Participating artists: Tadanori Yokoo, Mimi Yokoo
Planning and management: Drill Inc.

Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL Special 13 was a series of cultural

July 17, 2021- September 5, 2021
Marunouchi Building, Shin-Marunouchi
Buildingmasayume

programmes aimed to be remembered by many people

An astonishing scene with agigantic face floating up in thesky

and implemented 13 innovative and creative programmes

It is a work created in Tokyo by the contemporary art team 目[mé]. The project invited
people around the world to submit photos of
their faces and then they chose the face of areal person to float up into the sky of Tokyoin 2021. A gigantic face suddenly appearedin the sky of Tokyo. Such a mysterious,
astonishing scene surprised many people
and gathered attention.

13 projects were selected through a public call process from a total of 2,436 project proposals submitted fromwithin Japan and overseas, designed to liven up host city Tokyo with culture. Some programmes started to be
implemented in 2019, but the project was forced to be postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In
2021, the creative programmes that took on new challenges to pave the way for the future were implemented
across various genres around Tokyo by September while taking preventive measures against COVID-19.

Implemented programmes: SUPER WALL ART TOKYO, masayume, Pavilion Tokyo 2021, The Speed of Light, The ConstantGardeners, Light and Sound Installation “Coded Field”, TOKYO SENTO Festival 2020, TOKYO REAL UNDERGROUND､ DANCETRUCK TOKYO, World Performing Arts Forum, After-school Diversity Dance, SUMIDA RIVER: Storm and Urge, Exhibition ofmanga《What if Tokyo》
Hosted by: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Arts Council Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture

masayume, 目 [mé], 2019-21 Photo : KANEDA Kozo

Planning: 目 [mé]July 16 & August 13, 2021
Yoyogi, around the Sumida River

11

12

Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL Special 13

Pavilion Tokyo 2021

The Speed of Light
A play that puts a spotlight on
Tokyo and allows audiences toimagine its future

Terunobu Fujimori

A tour-type theatrical project directed by
Marco Canale, a theater and film director
from Argentina. The actors were local seniors
aged 65 and over who live in Tokyo and wereselected through an open call process. The
director conducted extensive research on
Tokyoʼs culture and history, as well as the
personal histories of citizens, and created astory where the past, present, and futureworlds intersected. The audience enjoyedperformances while moving around on footfollowing the actorsʼ instructions.

Junya Ishigami

Tea House “Go-an” photo: ToLoLo studio

Kokage-gumo photo: Shuji Goto

Akihisa Hirata
Global Bowl photo: ToLoLo studio

Makoto Aida

Daito Manabe + Rhizomatiks

Tokyo Castle ©AIDA Makoto
photo: ToLoLo studio“2020-2021” photo: Keizo Kioku©Kazuyuki Matsumoto

May 22, 2021
Areas around locations around Taishido,
Setagaya City, special outdoor stage at
Taishido Hachiman Shrine

Written and directed by Marco Canale

Teppei Fujiwara
STREET GARDEN THEATER
photo: ToLoLo studioKazuyo Sejima

Sou Fujimoto

The Constant Gardeners

Suimeiphoto: Kazuyo Sejima & Associates

Cloud pavilion photo: Keizo Kioku

Integration of robotics, Japanesegarden culture, and sports
An installation that combined robotics,
Japanese garden culture, and sports toexpress a garden landscape on a large gravel
canvas with ripple marks created by the“Gardeners”, or industrial robotic arms thatwere programed to trace the movements ofathletes in various disciplines. During theperiod of the Games, the installation createdapprox. 150 patterns of creative works, andvisitors enjoyed various landscapes createdby this installation that combined traditions
and the future.

Yayoi Kusama
The Obliteration Room ©YAYOI KUSAMA Yayoi Kusama / The obliteration room 2002-present
Collaboration between Yayoi Kusama and Queensland Art Gallery.
Commissioned Queensland Art Gallery. Gift of the artist through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2012
Collection: Queensland Art Gallery, Australia Cooperation: OTA FINE ARTS photo: Keizo Kioku

Nine pavilions appeared in Tokyo in the summer of 2021
It is the first project in the world that proposed a free, new urban landscape byplacing pavilions designed by architects and artists who are active all over theworld at multiple locations in Tokyo, mainly around Japan National Stadium. Likea treasure hunt with a map in hand or on a walk, viewers could go around thepavilions where the creators expressed their hopes for the future. This projectprovided visitors an opportunity to feel the attractions of Tokyo as a city and thebeauty of Japanese architecture.

Participating creators
Terunobu Fujimori, Kazuyo Sejima, Sou Fujimoto,
Akihisa Hirata, Junya Ishigami, Teppei Fujiwara,
Makoto Aida, Yayoi Kusama
Additional Creator: Daito Manabe + Rhizomatiks

Co-organizer

Executive Committee of Pavilion Tokyo 2021

Photographer: Jimmy Cohrssen Courtesy of Jason Bruges Studio

July 1, 2021 – September 5, 2021
Nine locations in Tokyo, mainly around theJapan National Stadium

13

Planning and production: Jason Bruges Studio

July 28, 2021- September 5, 2021
Takenodai Plaza in Ueno Onshi Park

14

Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL Special 13

Light and Sound Installation “Coded Field”

TOKYO REAL UNDERGROUND
Festival of light and sound forpeople and the city

Festival of BUTOH, a form ofdance created in JapanAn artistic space filled with light and sound wascreated utilizing not only the cutting-edge media
technologies and GPS but also combining
communication technologies, such as multiple
location information measurement systems
used simultaneously in and around Zojoji
Temple in Shiba, Minato City. The participants
moved around the venue with a balloon-shaped
device in their hands to experience theinstallations and enjoyed the live performance.

This festival focused on Butoh, a form of
performing art that was created in Japan in the
1960s and became popular all around the world.
From a contemporary standpoint and implemented
performance/exhibition programmes were held
mainly online. Moving beyond the stereotypes of
Butoh, such as white body makeup and slow
movements, the artists who are active in Japan andoverseas freely expressed themselves in theirperformances across various genres, such as
dance, music, and video. This project reached awider audience through the online programmes.

Photo by Takuya Matsumi

Light and Sound Installation “Coded Field” (2019) Photos provided by: Rhizomatiks

Participating artists: Elevenplay, Miu Sakamoto (voice)Planning and production: Rhizomatiks

November 16, 2019
Daihonz an of Japanese Pure L and
Buddhism Zojoji, Minato Ci t y Shiba
Park, Metropolitan Shiba ParkTOKYO SENTO Festival 2020

Participating artists: Kim Itoh, Eiko Otake, Takao Kawaguchi, William Klein, Yuki Kobayashi,
Naoyuki Sakai, Pechika Satoh, Tomomi Tanabe, Haus, Daisuke Yoshimoto, and more (in theorder of the Japanese syllabary)Planning and management: NPO Dance Archive Network

DANCE TRUCK TOKYOA relaxing, artistic sento!
Spreading the bathhouse
culture to the world

Innovative dance experienceon a truck
A transport truck turned into a temporary theater
inviting cutting-edge artists from various genres andheld performances around Tokyo. The cargo spaceof the truck became a device that connected
peopleʼs bodies, light, and sound while resonatingwith the surrounding environment. The site-specificspectacle that featured various landscapes of Tokyo
fascinated many people.

This project created an opportunity for visitors toenjoy arts in their daily life at a sento (bathhouse)
which is part of Japanese livelihood culture incooperation with artists of various genres, suchas manga, modern art, and art brut. Many
people experienced a new way of enjoying artsand sentos, “relax and enjoy the arts.”

photo by bozzo

Participating artists: Takeru Aoki, Ichio Otsuka, Daijiro Ohara, Kiyomi Hoshi, Mari Yamazaki(in the order of the Japanese syllabary)Planning and management: TOKYO SENTO Festival 2020 Executive Committee

15

April 1, 2021- August 15, 2021
Online and multiple locations in Tokyo

Planning and management: The Japan Dance Truck Association

May 26, 2021- September 5, 2021
All Sentos members ofTokyo Sento Association's Sento

September 5, 2019- September 5, 2021
Shinjuku, Adachi, Shibuya, Fuchu,
Ta k a n a w a*, Ts u k i j i *, Ta c h i k a w a ,Higashiojima, Hachijojima Island**Filmed with no audience and streamed16

Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL Special 13
Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL スペシャル13

SUMIDA RIVER: Storm and Urge

World Performing Arts ForumFestival of music and arts using
Sumida River as its stage

Introduction of valuable intangible
cultural heritages of the world including
Japan
Based on the research conducted in six countries onfive continents in 2019, folk performing arts from allover the world were introduced through videos, aswell as performances of the songs and dances of
Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima to support thereconstruction of the Tohoku region. Live Tokyo-style
Taiko drum performance also took place on thestage. In the following talk session, guests withextensive knowledge of folk performing arts wereinvited to discuss about the importance and appeal ofintangible cultural heritage, which is rooted in thelocal culture, from a variety of perspectives.

Japanʼs leading artists played music, gave
performances, and showcased installations
around the Sumida River in spring and summer,
mainly online. Through various programmes thatutilized the facilities and spaces near the Sumida
River, the project showed how intensively theparticipants were intermingling with people
around the world.
©Mao Yamamoto

Photo by Taisuke Koyama

Photo by Kenshu Shintsubo©The Japan Folk Performing Arts Association

Planning and production: The Japan Folk Performing Arts Association

Planning and management: NPO Topping East

August 1, 2021
Hulic Hall Tokyo

Spring season:
May 22, 2021- May 23, 2021
Summer season:
August 13, 2021- September 5, 2021
Around the Sumida River

Exhibition of manga《What if Tokyo》

After-school Diversity Dance
Children experienced regional
culture and created their own
dance performance

T went y newly drawn manga

The project was implemented in three areas inTokyo which allowed children to experience cultural
diversity through their encounter with people anddances that have been passed down in each area
created and gave their own dance performanceswith professional dancers and meeting people who
perform those dances. The children learned various
dance styles in workshop-style sessions, tried
choreographing, creating dance moves, andexperienced the joy of creating something by
themselves.

It is an art project that exhibited the 20 works newly
drawn by 20 leading Japanese manga artists under
the theme of “Tokyo.” It was a new type of manga
exhibition under the concept of “Read Tokyo, Walk
Manga,” where visitors walked around to enjoy theexhibited works scattered around the venue. The“What if Tokyo” scenes that nobody had seen drawn
by the manga artists with their imagination andexpressive abilities fascinated many people and are
to be remembered.

works under the theme “Whatif Tokyo were”© Yoichi UeDA

Planning and management: ADD Executive Committee

September 2019- August 2021
Minato City, Kunitachi City, HinodeTown, online workshops

17

Participating manga artists： Inio Asano, Yaro Abe, Masakazu Ishiguro, Shinichi Ishizuka, Haruko
Ichikawa, Nao Iwamoto, Yasuo Ohtagaki, Sumito Owara, Hiroya Oku, Yuki Obata, Iou Kuroda, Io
Sakisaka, Posuka Demizu, Moto Hagio, Koichi Masahara, Yusei Matsui, Taiyo Matsumoto, Minetaro
Mochizuki, Kazumi Yamashita, Sensha Yoshida (in the order of the Japanese syllabary)

August 4, 2021- September 5, 2021
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

18

Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL
Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL スペシャル13Tokyo Caravan

Summer Festival Opera 2019–20 Japan↔Tokyo↔World
Mingling of cultures brought
about by the interaction between
various artists across genres

An international opera project
developed by leading theaters
This festival was an international opera project
developed as the first co-production of theTokyo Bunka Kaikan and the New National
Theatre, Tokyo, in cooperation with the major
theaters around Japan, led by Kazushi Ono as
the general producer. In 2019, Turandot, a story
set in Asia, was performed with the Barcelona
Symphony Orchestra in the pit. The orchestra's
appearance added excitement by marking its
first visit to Japan after 24 years.

Under the direction of general supervisor Hideki
Noda, this project has created and developed
performances around Japan based on the ideathat interaction between people leads to thecreation of new cultures. It kicked off in 2015 as
one of the leading projects that would lead thecultural programme of Tokyo. A wide range ofcelebrities figures in the fields of arts and culture
and young up-and-coming artists participated inthis project and fascinated many people with
their amazing performances.

2015-2021

Tokyo Caravan -Prologue- (2015) Photographer: Yoshikazu Inoue

2019-2021

Komazawa in Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Tohoku(Sendai, Soma), Roppongi, Kyoto (Nijo-jo Castle,
Kameoka), Hachioji, Kumamoto, Toyota, Kochi,
Akita, Iwaki, Saitama, Toyama, Okayama,
Hokkaido

TURN

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, New National
Theatre, Tokyo, Biwako Hall, Sapporo
Cultural Arts Theater hitaru©Rikimaru HottaTOKYO MET SaLaD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Creation of artistic expression in
the form of interaction between
various people

A music festival for people of
all ages from babies to adults
can enjoy

With Katsuhiko Hibino as supervisor, this art
project created artistic expression in the formof interaction among various people fromdifferent background and customs, including
disability, generation, gender, nationality, andliving environment. It kicked off in 2015 as
one of the leading projects that would lead thecultural programme of Tokyo. Its aim was tocreate a prosperous society where everyone
respects other people the way they are throughcollaborative activities with artists and welfare
facilities.

It kicked off in 2018 as a music festival where
everyone can experience and express the joy ofmusic. SaLaD stands for Sing and Listen andDance. Under that concept, the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo
Symphony Orchestra provide various
programmes, such as concerts and workshops,
in cooperation with Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
and the Toshima City Government.

2015-2021
TURN Fes 3 (2017) Photographer: Yuji Ito

Tokyo 2020 Nippon Festival

19

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, otherlocations in Tokyo

2018OK! Orchestra (2021) ©The Tokyo Symphony Orchestra

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Ikebukuroarea, etc.

20

Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL
Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL スペシャル13

FUROSHIKI TOKYOTokyo Media Center introducing Japanese culture to the world
Modern upgrade of furoshiki, acloth imbued with Japanesepeopleʼs wisdom and aesthetics

Introduce the appeal of
traditional culture to theoverseas media

Furoshiki is a square piece of cloth andthe worldʼs first eco-bag. Furoshiki isimbued with hospitality and Japanesepeopleʼs wisdom and aesthetics. This
project spread the appeal of Japaneseculture and the message of Tokyo as acity working on environmental problems
and disaster prevention measures byholding the exhibitions and workshops at
Tokyo prefectural cultural facilities andplacing furoshiki cloths at the Olympic
and Paralympic Village so that athletes
and officials could pick them up.

As a news gathering base for reportersfrom abroad, the Tokyo Media Center
introduced Japanʼs traditional culture
and performing arts and provided
opportunities to experience them. The
videos about tea ceremony, Japanesestyle flower arrangement, noh plays, andkoto music were played and kimono(junihitoe), craft dolls, Japanese warrior
armor and helmets, and furoshiki cloths
were exhibited in an easy-to-understandway for non-Japanese people. In addition,
the mini events to enjoy noh plays andkoto music were held to introduce theappeal of various traditional cultures andperforming arts of Japan and Tokyo.

2019-2021
Olympic and Paralympic village, Edo-Tokyo
Museum, Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural
Museum, etc.

TOKYO CULTURE LIVE STUDIO

July 21, 2021- August 9, 2021
August23, 2021- September 5, 2021
Tokyo Media CenterTokyo Grand Tea Ceremony
A large-scale tasteful tea
ceremony that anyone can enjoy

Casual experience of Japanʼs
traditional culture andperforming arts

A large-scale tea ceremony is held at the
open-air museum and garden in Tokyo,
where various schools of tea ceremony
gather. Its aim is to introduce to people inJapan and abroad the the culture of tea andthe cultures of Edo and Tokyo that havefostered it. Those who are not familiar withtea ceremonies and non-Japanese people canenjoy the event. This tea ceremony has
become popular and known as an iconic
event of fall in Tokyo.

Because of the review of the Tokyo 2020 Live
Site, a website was launched to enable people
to casually watch performance videos anddemonstration videos of traditional culture andperforming arts, replacing the special booththat had been planned as a venue for culturalexperience and introduction. It enabled theviewers in Japan and overseas to enjoy
Japanese culture from home by introducing
Japanʼs traditional culture and performing artsof the tea ceremony, Japanese-style flower
arrangement, noh plays, and Japaneseimperial court music and dance and morecasual content, such as origami, hand printingof ukiyo-e, furoshiki, and tamasudare.

2008-. The event was cancelled in2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021.7-12
Online21

Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2019

Hamarikyu Garden, Edo-Tokyo OpenAir Architectural Museum

22Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL
Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL スペシャル13
Recital for everyone

Roppongi Art Night

Tomin Performerʼs Corner (TOPACO)

Isamu Noguchi: Ways of Discovery

Searching for Inspiration in the Times

Plaque du Cou - Brooch Sylphide c. 1900,
Private Collection, Courtesy of Albiion Art Jewellery Institue©Roppongi Art Night Executive Committee

Festival of arts in the town of Roppongi

A new opportunity for every citizen to participate and perform

An exhibition where visitors can feel the essence of Noguchiʼs art

Focus on René Laliqueʼs rich source of inspiration

It is a festival of arts that exhibits works scattered around thevenue and creates extraordinary experiences by spreading various
works, including not only artworks but also designs, music,
videos, and performances, across the town of Roppongi. With theaim of creating an innovative model of urban development in a
metropolitan city, this festival is improving year by year.

TOPACO is a project aimed at creating opportunities for amateur
performer groups active in Tokyo to present what they have beenpracticing by utilizing various venues in cooperation with privatecompanies. Through the presentations of the artistic and culturalactivities by citizens, the project spread the appeal of the cultureof Tokyo, the host city of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) is one of the leading artists of the 20th
century. Born to a Japanese father and an American mother, hedeveloped his own sculptural philosophy while struggling withidentity conflicts. This exhibition enables visitors to follow the waysof discovery to his unique stone sculptures in his later years while
enjoying various works by Noguchi.

René Lalique (1860–1945) carved out his own path as an artist,
evolving beyond being a jewellery/glass designer. In response to
the changing times, he shifted his focus from valuable jewellery
to glass art, which was closer to peopleʼs lives. This programme
introduced how he observed the world and pursued ornaments
as art.

Japan Cultural Expobeyond2020

Japan Cultural Expo

2009-

March 2017- March 2021

April 24, 2021-August 29, 2021

June 26, 2021- September 5, 2021

Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, etc.

In front of Shibuya Stream, Inaribashi Square, etc.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

Genkyo Yokoo Tadanori

From the original homeland to the realm of imagination,
and what is the present state?

An exhibition of the comprehensive collection of Yokooʼs creative works
Since his debut in the 1960s, legendary artist Tadanori Yokoo has
always been active as one of the leading artists. In so many of his
creative works, he has been depicting the realm of imagination asa wild and abundant world of images that is drawn from theoriginal homeland of the souls of all humans. This is an exhibitionof the comprehensive collection of his works.
Japan Cultural Expo

23

RENÉ LALIQUE REMIX:

beyond2020

A New Fine Day: Shinoyama Kishin

Special exhibition Splendors of Edo:
Rites of the Samurai, Festivals of the Merchants

Feature exhibition

Color Sumo Wood-Block Prints and Edo Culture<A Fine Day> 1974 collection of the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum

Black-lacquered womanʼs palanquin with plum and arabesque patterns and scattered three-diamonds-in-a-circle crests in maki-e
The late Edo Period Collection of the Edo-Tokyo Museum

Draw in the bout between Onogawa and Tanikaze, Shunei Katsukawa/around 1791,
collection of the Edo-Tokyo Museum

The first large-scale retrospective exhibition to introduce theworks of Kishin Shinoyama and his career for 60 years

A closer look at the bright, vibrant aspects of Edo, one of thelargest cities in the world

Introduce various appeals of sumo of the Edo Period by mainly
exhibiting sumo nishiki-e

It is the first large-scale retrospective exhibition of the works of Kishin
Shinoyama who has been active since the 1960s as one of the leading
photographers known for contributing to the rise of publishing cultures,such as magazines. His masterpiece published in 1974, A Fine Day, isan edgy book of photographs in which he captured the social trends atthat time from a broad perspective and criticized them. Based on thatconcept, this exhibition introduced his works and career of 60 years.

This exhibition introduces the bright, vibrant aspects of Edo, a citywith an estimated population of 1 million, with a focus oncelebratory occasions, such as rites, festivals, and marriages ofsamurai, merchants, and townspeople living in Edo. The exceptional
pieces from the museumʼs collection, items to be exhibit for the firsttime, and other outstanding items were exhibited.

In the Edo period, watching sumo wrestling became a popular form ofentertainment among common people and sumo flourished around the end of the
18th century with the success and growing popularity of wrestlers. Around thesame time, nishiki-e wood-block prints fascinated people. Sumo nishiki-e, which
realistically depicts body shapes and facial features that differ wrestler to wrestler,
appeared. The exhibition focused on the relationship between sumo and nishiki-ethat had developed into the sport and art that represent Japan, respectively.

Japan Cultural Expobeyond2020

July 17, 2021- October 17, 2021

May 18, 2021- August 15, 2021

July 10, 2021- September 20, 2021

July 17, 2021- September 5, 2021

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

Tokyo Photographic Art Museum

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Edo-Tokyo Museum

24Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL
Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL スペシャル13

Ensembles Tokyo

Heaven Artists

Shibuya StreetDance Week

Performance Kids Tokyo

PKT Komae Ecorma Hall/Naoshi Hatori

A music festival where artists and participants play together
It is an interactive music festival that aims to enable all theparticipants with different backgrounds and styles to create a
new platform for music, under the direction of the musician
Yoshihide Otomo. The workshops were held in advance, and theparticipating visitors and the artists got on the stage together
and played music.

Heaven Artists are artists who have passed the screening by
experts in music and performance conducted by the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government and obtained a license. They playmusic or give performances at the designated public places,such as parks and provide opportunities for people to casually
enjoy culture and arts.

Spread the appeal of street dance from Shibuya to the world
This programme connects performers (dancers), participants(audience), and venues (stages), establishes the position ofstreet dance as a new form of arts and culture that is supported
by a wide range of people, and introduces the appeal and realvalue of street dance from Shibuya, the mecca of street dancers,
to the world. It is a festival of street dance held to create avibrant town.

Artists are sent to help children produce their own stage
performance
Professional performing artists in the fields, such as dance,theater, and music, are sent to schools and halls for around 10
days to hold workshops and help children produce their original
stage performance and present it on the last day. Artists respectchildrenʼs ideas and help them produce their own performance
to foster their creativity and autonomy and improve theircommunication skills.

2015-2020

2002-

2015-

2008-

Tokyo Tower, online streaming, etc.

Multiple locations in Tokyo (73 locations (54 facilities))

Yoyogi Park, online streaming, and other venues

Elementary and junior high schools and halls in Tokyo

Tokyo Festival

Tokyo Festival Special Performance

Fantastic Site

Outdoor play NIPPON CHA! CHA! CHA! Photographer: Magu Sumita

Dairakudakan Temptenshiki Crazy Camel Garden Photographer: Hiroyuki Kawashima

A comprehensive urban art festival that introduces the appealof Tokyoʼs arts and cultures

Butoh, a form of dance created in Japan, and dance performances

The Tokyo Festival is a comprehensive urban art festival aimed
at connecting with the world through Tokyoʼs diverse andsophisticated arts and culture. Performing arts festivals are held
mainly in the Ikebukuro area, Toyoshima City. Under the
direction of theater director Satoshi Miyagi, 7 field-specificdirectors work together to offer unique programs. Tokyo Festival
aims to improve creativity in arts and culture in Tokyo.

25

Provide places where people can casually enjoy playing music
and giving performances

In Tokyo, there are some sites where we can feel Tokyoʼstransition from Edo to Tokyo. At such historical sites in Tokyo,
the dancers of butoh (ankoku butoh), a form of bodily
expression that arose in Japan and then received internationalrecognition as one of the genres of performing arts, and otherdance styles that have developed from butoh performed.

Legendary Tamatebako-Tama Traditional Culture Festival-

Introduce the appeal of the traditional culture of the Tama
District, Tokyo
This festival introduces the appeal of the traditional culture of the Tama district
with various programmes such as kurumaningyo puppet plays, ohayashi, rural
kabuki, and shadow plays. The programme provides new experiences bycombining new and old cultures and Japanese and Western cultures throughperformances on the outdoor stages and concerts on the streets.
Tokyo 2020 NIPPON Festival

Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour

Traditional performing arts presentations in the Kagurazaka area
Sophisticated, stylish traditional performing arts presentations are held
live in various locations in the Kagurazaka area where tradition meetsmodernity, such as Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple, Akagi Shrine,
Kagurazaka-dori, and cobblestoned alleys. In this two-day event,everyone including people from abroad and young people casually enjoy
Japanese traditional culture and performing arts and discover the townof Kagurazaka through activities, such as ozashiki party experience withgeishas and the stamp rally.

2016-

2020-2021

2016-

2018-

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Owlspot Theatre, and other venues

Garden of the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, online streaming

Hachioji and Tama Districts, online streaming

Kagurazaka area, online streaming

26

Tokyo 2020 NIPPON Festival
Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL スペシャル13

CANAL ART MOMENT SHINAGAWA 2021

Wassai

The concert played by the kocarina made of
the National Stadium tree

～Art Empowerment～～Peaceful World for Children～

Provide traditional culture and performing arts contents along the canal

The sound of kocarina! Hoping for a peaceful world with children

This programme utilizes the Tennozu Canal as an innovative, creative
venue and the barges moored on the canal as a stage and audience seats.
The contents to introduce Japanese traditional culture and performing
arts were provided to tourists from home and abroad and local residents
and people working in the area, along with the images mapped on thewalls of the buildings using projection mapping technology.

The kocarina is a wooden ocarina. Japanese musicians andwoodcrafters developed it into an instrument with a beautiful
tone and wide sound range. In this concert, kocarina players andchildren played the kocarina made of the tree cut down when theformer National Stadium had been demolished to construct the
new stadium, hoping that children all over the world struggling
in the COVID-19 crisis could return together to peaceful life assoon as possible.

A special festival that enables people to form wa(circle) and creates harmony
Under the theme “Participation, Interaction, and Dialogue,” theonline event in which various people interacted with each otherthrough Japanese culture was held in the virtual Olympic Stadium
as a programme to set the mood for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic andParalympic Games right before the opening. The programme
aimed to enable people all over the world to create a new festival
and interact with each other by allowing the participants to use theavatars created with illustrations that had been posted by people
from all over the world in advance and dance together in thevirtual space with the dancers performing on the stage.
Executive producer/ Komei Sugano

2021.7.18

Online streaming

ONE -Our New Episode-Presented by Japan Airlines-

MAZEKOZE Island Tour

Experience the joy and comfort of mazekoze(diversity) by traveling through the nine
unique islands
Under the theme “Toward the Realization of an Inclusive
Society,” this programme enabled viewers to experience thejoy and comfort of “mazekoze” by traveling through the nine
unique islands where the appeal of diversity and an inclusiveisland were expressed with the power of entertainment.

beyond2020

August 28, 2021

August 22, 2021

Online streaming

Shinjuku Bunka Center

General organizer, producer, and executive director/ Chizuru Azuma

2021.8.22

Online streaming

Japan Cultural Expo

The Mahabharata

INCLUSIVE NIPPON～Chapter of Desire/Chapter of Tempes

2020 Noh and Kyogen special performance from Shinagawa City

Theatrical production of the full story of the ancient Indian epic
Mahabharata

Introduce the potential of Japanese traditional theater to achieve
an inclusive society

The Mahabharata, one of the three greatest epics of the world and thesource of Asian philosophy, was performed. The programme depicted
the story of the conflict between two tribes while comparing it with themodern society and spread the message of peace and inclusiveness by
incorporating the themes of good and evil, life and death, love, andbattle to question how humans should live. It was the first stage
performance of the full story of the Mahabharata by Asians.

A special performance of noh and kyogen was given by the twoorganizations that have been engaging in unique activities in the field of nohplays. The aim of this programme was to help achieve an inclusive society
where people could meet, enjoy together, and find new values, regardlessof disability, age, and nationality. It introduced the potential of noh plays,
the traditional theater Japan boasts of to the world, to promote inclusion to
the world from Shinagawa where some of the games were held.

Rediscover Tohoku

MOCCOʼs Journey from Tohoku to Tokyo Presented by ENEOS
Story of MOCCOʼs journey to bring messages ofhope for recovery
It is a cultural programme held around Tohoku and in Tokyo from
May to July 2021 under the theme “Recovery of Tohoku.” With theoriginal song “Tohokuʼs Happiness,” 10-meter tall giant puppet
MOCCO created for the event spread Tohokuʼs message of gratitude
for the support the region had received from various countries
around the world since the Great East Japan Earthquake, the regionʼsvigorous efforts for recovery, and the appeal of Tohokuʼs culture, andcontributed to the Recovery Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Creative director/ Michihiko Yanai

May 15, 2021, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate; May 22, 2021,
Iwanuma City, Miyagi; May 29, 2021, Minamisoma City, Fukushima;
July 17, 2021, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (online streaming)

27

Japan Cultural Expo

August 20, 2021- August 23, 2021

August 1, 22, 28, 2021

Nakano Zero Main Hall

National Noh Theatre, Kita Noh Theatre28

Tokyo 2020 NIPPON Festival
Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL スペシャル13Premium Yosakoi in TokyoJapan Cultural Expo
Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL スペシャル13
Yabusame Ceremony to Wish for the
Safe Holding and Success of theTokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

beyond2020

Special exhibition “The Mount Fuji Challenges: Hokusai and Hiroshige”
Distributing VR experience online
A complete set of woodblock prints from Katsushika Hokusaiʼsmasterpiece “Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji” series and works of Utagawa
Hiroshige, who had tried to surpass Hokusai, were exhibited among others
to shed light on their approaches for depicting nature, most notably Mt.
Fuji, that Japanese people had long felt close to and worshiped. Special
photo spots were set up in the gallery, and VR content was created toenable those who were not able to visit the venue to virtually experience theexhibition space and enjoy the works on display.

Introduce the appeal of Yosakoi, one of Japanʼs most famous festivals
Through live streaming, this event introduced the diverse appeal of
Yosakoi, one of Japanʼs most famous festivals that is now performed in
33 countries and regions in the world, brought about by the fusion withvarious cultures of Japan and foreign counties. Programmes, such as thedance performances by the Yosakoi teams that represented each region
and the all-team dance that viewers were also able to join, were held.
With so many viewers, the event set the mood for the Tokyo 2020
Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Yabusame Ceremony was held to wish for the safe holding andsuccess of the GamesAt the venue, explanations on the history and highlights of Yabusame
were given in Japanese and English, as well as a running commentary.
The event was live streamed, and the Yabusame performance video wasalso created and streamed online to provide an environment where
people could watch Yabusame and understand its appeal at home.
Japan Cultural Expo

July 4, 2021

July 17, 2021

Online streaming

Online streaming

Tamabi DNA - A Genealogy of Contemporary Nihonga
Japanese Paintings Since 1965

beyond2020

Performing Arts of Edo-Tokyo

April 24, 2021- June 20, 2021

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Presented by: The Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History andCulture, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, the Asahi Shimbun Company, theAgency for Cultural Affairs, and the Japan Arts Council

Under the Wave off Kanagawa, also known as the Great Wave, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fujic. 1831-33 KATSUSHIKA Hokusai Edo -Tokyo Museum

Special Exhibition in Commemoration of the260th Birth Anniversary“The Complete Hokusai” Immersive Theater
A theater-type digital exhibition that uses the
cutting-edge technologies
It is an unprecedented special exhibition where all the pages, pieces, andillustrations of Hokusaiʼs masterpieces “Hokusai Manga”, “Thirty-Six
Views of Mt. Fuji”, and “One Hundred Views of Mt. Fuji” were showcased.
In addition to the display of all the pieces, an immersive theater-type
digital exhibition was showcased using the cutting-edge image processing
technology and the high-definition archive technology.
July 22, 2021- September 17,2021

Tokyo Midtown Hall

ⓒSpecial Exhibition The Complete Hokusai / Photo by TOPPAN INC.

Sponsors: TOPPAN INC., Nikkei Inc., Hakuhodo DY media partners Inc., TV TOKYO
Corporation, BS TV TOKYO Corporation
Special cooperation: Uragami Sokyu-do
Cooperation: Hagi Uragami Museum, Yamagata Museum of Art, Aioi Nissay Dowa
Insurance Co., Ltd.

HOKUSAI

29

Exhibit the spirit that has been handed down through the Japanesepaintings in Tama Art University Museum

Introduce traditional performing arts of Edo and Tokyo to people
around Japan and the world

Nihonga (Japanese painting) is a traditional form of painting thatthrived in Japan for more than 1,000 years. Nihonga has been passed
down to the present day while changing with the times because thisform of painting adjusted Japanʼs cultural climate and the aesthetics
and spirit of the Japanese people. This exhibition enabled people fromall over the world to feel the spirit of the Japanese people andintroduced the appeal of Nihonga and Japanese culture to the world.

This programme was held to familiarize a wide range of generations withthe traditional performing arts of Edo and Tokyo and introduce their appeal
on the occasion of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The
programme introduced Japanʼs traditional performing arts to the world
during the Olympic Games in coordination with the exhibition held at the
Edo-Tokyo Museum adjacent to the boxing venue (Kokugikan Arena).
beyond2020

April 3, 2021- June 20, 2021

July 23, 2021- August7, 2021 (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the period)

Tama Art University Museum, etc.

Edo-Tokyo Museum

The movie about the life of Hokusai Katsushika, a fanatic painter who isfamous all over the world
It is the first movie to depict the untold story of the life of Hokusai Katsushika who inspired alarge number of artists, such as Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, and Gauguin, and laid thefoundation for modern Western paintings.
May 28, 2021-

Theaters in Tokyo

Director: Hajime Hashimoto
Cast: Yuya Yagira, Min Tanaka, Hiroshi Abe, Eita Nagayama, Hiroshi Tamaki and more
Distribution: S.D.P Production: “HOKUSAI” Production Committeeⓒ2020 HOKUSAI MOVIE

30

Japan Cultural Expo
Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL スペシャル13

KIMONO: Fashioning Identities

Sacred Treasures from Ancient Nara:
The Eleven-Headed Kannon of Shōrinji Temple

Nature in Japan and the Spirit of Sho“200 Selected Works by Japanese Calligraphers - in commemoration of
the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games”

Keido Ishige “Yamatogokoro”

KIMONO: Fashioning Identities Gallery Talk

The venue

Kazumi Murose Hexagonal covered box with oak leaf design in maki-e 2014 Private collection

Spotlight the transition of kimono and introduce Japanesepeopleʼs living culture

National treasure the Eleven-Headed Kannon of Shōrinji
Temple, the cultural properties of Ōmiwa Shrine

The value and beauty of Japanese kōgei (art crafts) under
the theme of relationship with nature

Introduce Japanʼs calligraphy culture through the works andthe videos of the works being createdThis exhibition featured kimono, a garment that represents Japan andhad been worn by Japanese people for a long time. This exhibition
spotlighted kimonoʼs transition from the Kamakura Period to today andintroduced the living culture of Japanese people who had loved theseasons and nature through kimonoʼs forms such as colors, patterns,
and shapes originated from nature.

The Eleven-Headed Kannon of Shōrinji Temple was created in the Nara
period and is recognized as a masterpiece of Japanese sculpture for its
solemn facial expression and well-proportioned, majestic bodily
expression. This exhibition also introduced the cultural properties that
had been handed down at Ōmiwa Shrine near the venue and nature
worship that focused on Mt. Miwa as a deity.

This exhibition showcased the contemporary Japanese kōgei works highly
regarded worldwide under the theme of relationship between nature and kōgei
and reintroduced their value. The Kōgei Dining programme, held in conjunction
with the exhibition, provided a valuable opportunity for the participants toappreciate, through the meals, the beauty that lies in the practical use of kōgei
works that cannot be understood by just observing them.

The new works created by the 202 leading contemporary calligraphers in Japan using
various forms of expression, the powerful calligraphic works of the disabled people,
and the works of the children and young people who would bear the next generation
were exhibited. This exhibition comprehensively introduced Japanʼs calligraphy culture
by playing the videos of some of the calligraphers creating their works and exhibiting
the four important tools of calligraphy (brush, ink stone, ink stick, and paper).

beyond2020

beyond2020

beyond2020

June 22, 2021- September 12, 2021

September 21, 2020- November 15, 2020

June 11, 2020- June 21, 2020

Tokyo National Museum, Heiseikan Special Exhibition Galleries

Tokyo National Museum, Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room T5

Tokyo National Museum Hyokeikan

The National Art Center, Tokyo

Five Purr-fect Points for a New Public SpaceJapanese Architecture

Traditional Skills and Natural Materials

Photo of the exhibition ©Kioku Keizo

Special Exhibition National Parks of Japan:
Stories to Experience

Sammon Gate, Tofukuji Temple 1/10 scale model

How the work was created (Kenichi Kuroda)

beyond2020

June 30, 2020- August 23, 2020

Kuma Kengo

Japan Cultural Expo Special Performance

Japanese Music, Song and DancePhoto provided by the National Museum of Nature and Science

Kabuki “Shakkyo” Kikunosuke Onoe © Japan Arts Council

A major exhibition of the work of Kengo Kuma, one ofJapanʼs leading contemporary architects

Introduce the characteristics of the formation of Japanesearchitecture using models

Introduce the 34 national parks around Japan from scientificand cultural aspects

The performing arts, such as Kabuki, Bunraku, and Noh,were given on the special stage

The exhibition categorized the 68 highly public buildings selected from Kumaʼsarchitectural projects all over the world based on his five essential principlesof “Hole,” “Particles,” “Oblique,” “Softness,” and “Time” and introduced themusing models and videos. A 360-degree VR that allowed visitors to experience
the interior space of the building and a research project that reinterpreted theurban environment from the perspective of cats were also presented.

The exhibition gave an overview of the characteristics of the formation ofJapanese architecture from ancient times to the present day that utilized
natural materials by exhibiting the elaborate architectural models, drawings,
and tools. The valuable architectural models that had never been shown tothe public mainly of the buildings designated as national treasures andimportant cultural properties were brought together and exhibited.

The national parks are designated, conserved, and managed by the country
to pass down Japanʼs beautiful nature to future generations. The 4K video
footage taken from the air, natural history specimens, and paintings that had
played an important role in designating national parks were introduced using
the interpretive panels written in multiple languages. This exhibition
introduced Japanese peopleʼs diverse, rich culture through national parks.

In the first part, Ainu Ancient Ceremonial Dance and the 2.5-dimensional musicalTouken Ranbu: The Musical were performed. In the second part, the performing
arts, such as Kabuki, Bunraku, Noh, Gagaku, Ryukyuan Classical Music, andchorus, were given on the special stage under the title of “Celebrating the Natural
Beauties of Japan.” Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the performances wererecorded with no audience and broadcast on TV.

beyond2020

31

Kōgei 2020 -The Art of Crafting Beauty from NatureKōgei Dining

beyond2020

beyond2020

beyond2020

June 18, 2021- September 26, 2021

December 8, 2020- February 21, 2021

2020.8.25-11.29

March 14, 2020

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

Tokyo National Museum Hyokeikan, etc.

National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo

Tokyo National Museum Heiseikan building (No audience)

32

Japan Cultural Expo
Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL スペシャル13

beyond 2020
Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL スペシャル13LIVE JAPANJapan Cultural Expo Special Performance at the Kokyo Gaien National Garden-Representation of Prayer-

National Museums & The National Museum of Modern Art,
Tokyo X Isetan Mitsukoshi Collaboration Project

Provided by: LIVE JAPANProviding useful information helping inbound tourists
plan their trip to Japan“Okina” ©Japan Arts Council

As a one-stop guide providing sightseeing support to inboundtourists, this website introduces Japanese culture, food, and tourist
attractions, among others. Accessible via smartphone and PC
browsers, it also provides information on events and facilities ineight languages in real-time. LIVE JAPAN also streams tourism
videos and provides comprehensive information related to COVID-19
prevention in multiple languages.

A selection of performing arts was given at the special stage in the Kokyo
Gaien National Garden in prayer for the recovery
At the special stage with the Nijubashi Bridge of the Imperial Palace in the background, the traditional
performing arts event was held. The event featured Noh and Kyogen as the main performances inconsideration of the historical background of Edo Castle because the Imperial Palace is located on
the former site of Edo Castle. On the 14th, the performances of Ryukyuan Dance were given, praying
for the reconstruction of Shuri Castle that had burnt down in a fire in 2019. Ryukyuan Dance wasgiven at Shuri Castle in the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the Ryukyuan missions also gave
performances in Edo. As this March marked 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, thedancers of Urahama Nenbutsu Kenbai (sword dance) were invited from Ofunato City, Iwate, on the
13th to pray for the recovery from the earthquake (the performance was cancelled due to bad
weather). This event provided opportunities for visitors to enjoy a selection of performing arts as wellas the rich natural environment in the Imperial Palace.
beyond2020

33

Provide special gifts with famous works of art printed
on themThis project aims to introduce Japanese culture of gift giving throughaesthetic gift products. Collaboration gifts with various famous works of art
housed by National Museums and the National Museum of Modern Art,
Tokyo printed on their packages are sold as special season greeting gifts
such as Ochugen, Oseibo, and souvenirs. Each product includes a
descriptive note about the work written in English to target inbound tourists.

2016-

2019-

OnlineSome of Isetan Mitsukoshi Groupʼs departments, online shop

Introduction of the Japanese foodculture businessNoh “Shakkyo” ©Japan Arts Council

Product image Provided by Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings

Talk to offer help/ Support Campaign

Ryukyuan Dance “Yutsidaki” ©Japan Arts Council●Plays and castMarch 12, 2021 “Okina” Kiyokazu Kanze and Mansai
Nomura/ Kyogen “Sanbon Bashira” Mansaku
Nomura/ Noh “Takasago” Kiyokazu Kanze, and more
March 14, 2021 Ryukyuan Dance “Yutsidaki” andother performances. Seigi Tamagusuku, Yukichi
Agarie, Satoru Arakaki, and Shigeo Miyagi/ Kyogen“Kusabira” Yukio Ishida/ Noh “Shakkyo” Kiyokazu
Kanze, Tetsunojo Kanze and more
*The performances on March 13, 2021, were cancelled
due to bad weather.

March 12, 2021- March 14, 2021
Kokyo Gaien National Garden

Provided by: MOS FOOD SERVICE, INC.

Provided by: The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Provide a space for information and menus in foreign
languages

Pass down the spirit of mutual assistance as the legacyof the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

In cooperation with the willing host town governments, MOS FOODSERVICES, INC. provided a space on the host town activities in their stores
located in those host towns. In addition, the company provided menus in
42 languages for the partner countries and regions, introduced them intheir stores in those host towns, and released them on the official websiteof MOS BURGER. Through these efforts, the company helped exchanges
with foreign countries and globalization of local communities.

This campaign encourages people to talk to those who seem to be introuble or need support such as elderly people, children, pregnant
women, people with children, disabled people, and non-Japanesepeople, with compassion and the spirit of hospitality. It aims to achieve
an inclusive society where everyone can live comfortably and pass it
down to future generations as our legacy.

2019-2021

2015-

Some of MOS BURGER stores

In Tokyo34