[Overseas Expansion Case Collection vol.6] Pursuing world-class Japanese beauty with a multifaceted approach (Mr. KIRIE)

“Overseas Expansion Case Collection” vol.6 released!

The “Overseas Expansion Case Collection” series interviews people who have exhibited at events managed by Japan Promotion so far, and listens to valuable stories about reactions from countries around the world that they have actually witnessed and their subsequent activities.

In this section, which is the 6th in the series, a “Japanese” art group...KIRIEWe asked about local movements during overseas events and the state of recent projects that have diversified.

≪Click here for past articles≫
●vol.1 “Succeed in attracting tourists with a PR strategy that combines local characters and SNS! (Mr. Toshiaki Arisawa, Genki Creation Division, Susaki City)”
●vol.2 “Local reactions are the greatest harvest! Exhibited at Japan Expo Paris that got a lot of insight (Kyushu Economic Federation, Mr. Chiken Shigeyoshi)”
●vol.3 “Overseas exhibition experience triggered the “Oyabe Fairy Tale Party” (Mr. Yukihiro Funami, Tourism Promotion Division, Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture)”
●vol.4 “Rediscover local appeal through overseas exhibitions, improving on-site responsiveness is also a major weapon (Mr. Hiromi Kobayashi, Tochigi City Hall General Policy Department)”
●vol.5 “Making “Awa Odori” the Common Language of the World (Creative Dance Group Takarafune)”

≪About current activities≫

From stage appearances to space decorations, in search of possibilities of expression

Previously, my main activities were performing at domestic club events and parties, and solo exhibitions at galleries.Japan Expo ParisAfter the exhibition,You can be invited to events in other countriesRequests for performances from large-scale events on the theme of Japanese culture have increased in Japan as well.
When exhibiting overseas, we always carefully consider local movements so that we can bring back results other than “exhibiting.” Over 2 years from 2017Produced a film in collaboration with a video creator living in France during his stay in ParisIt was held, and participated in a video competition hosted by Fuji Television in 2018. The work was also introduced on the BS Fuji program.
KIRIE originally started as a “manufacturing group,” so in the past few years, they have started decorating the “WABI SABI” pavilions,Space decoration requestI'm also happy that the number has increased. I feel the expansion of our work as a team, such as being selected to be in charge of space decoration for live events by multiple bands that are popular in Japan, hotel reception parties, and female orchestra performances held at Suntory Hall.

≪Advice/Future Goals≫

Accumulating results from a long-term perspective

”What kind of results do you want to achieve in that countryI think it is important to think about” and to have a long-term perspective and accumulate results. This is my 5th year participating in Japan Expo Paris, and there are many things gained by continuing to participate every year — an increase in overseas fans, the expansion of friendships between artists, and an opportunity to create new works.Responses vary from country to countryHowever, the worldview we want to express seems to have a high affinity with the “cool Japan” that French people imagine, and we often receive good responses locally, so we plan to nurture our activities in France with care in the future.
In the future, we will gather more creators who specialize in the Japanese field,Expressions unique to “Japan today” that are out of the ordinaryI would like to pursue it. I would like to work hard every day to create works that are not only aimed at overseas, but are also accepted by Japanese people as “the new appeal of Japan.”

≪Know-how for success≫

[Before exhibiting]
‍● Appearance at domestic club events and parties.
● Solo exhibition at the gallery.
↓
[Support and ingenuity]
● When dealing with sudden local coverage, I was helped by the Japan Promotion Staff's generous follow-up, such as arranging interpreter staff and securing space for interviews.
● On the show stage, they were happy to respond to requests on the spot that day.
★ Point ★
The details of the activities were enhanced by the flexible responses of field staff.
↓
[Results]
● The performance was introduced on French news programs and information sites, and the name recognition increased.
● During my stay in Paris, I deepened friendships with local artists and were able to collaborate on performances and video production.
● While Japan Expo Paris was being held, offers were received from people at neighboring booths, and sales were decided at Japanese general stores in Paris.
● Requests for appearances at domestic and international events and shows have increased.
★ Point ★
The reputation at Japan Expo Paris led to various new projects.
In addition to exhibiting at events, they always set goals every year and bring back results.
↓
[After that]
● Requests for appearances at domestic and international events in Japan have increased.
● Activities have also expanded into the field of “space decoration,” which I had originally aspired to.
● Based on local responses, activities in France are poised to continue over the long term.
★ Point ★
At the same time as getting closer to the expression you want to aim for, the range of activities is expanding greatly by actively challenging new encounters and possibilities.

Thank you, KIRIE, for sharing your valuable story!
In vol.7 that follows, the calligrapher'sFukushiya Taro-samaI would like to ask about their ingenuity to win the hearts of audiences on overseas stages and their current activities in various countries.

◎ Interviewee: KIRIE

[Events you exhibited at]
Japan Expo Paris “WABI SABI” (2015-2019)
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL (2016)
Bangkok Japan Expo “Banquet UTAGE” (2017)
JapanManga Night “A-MA-NE” (2018)
MIDDLE EAST GAMES CON: Anifest “Miyabi” (2018)
ADIHEX “Miyabi Miyabi” (2019) Ueno Royal Museum Solo Exhibition (2019)

●KIRIE homepage＞＞＞http://kirie-jp.com/
●KIRIE Facebook＞＞＞https://www.facebook.com/kirie.jp

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