Japan Expo Paris 2016 stage performers decided!

The Japan Expo is a stage show where Japanese fans cheer for them.‍At the traditional culture pavilion “WABI-SABI”‍We will produce a stage full of the appeal of Japan, incorporating ancient culture and performing arts.‍In addition to artists and entertainment groups, hugely popular local mascot characters also gathered,‍The performance will engulf the audience in a whirlpool of enthusiasm.

Kirarin and Negamin will give it to you! Song and dance stage show

“Kirarin” in Namerikawa, Toyama

Firefly squid, which got its name because it emits pale light like a firefly when touched, has been loved by many foodies until now as a messenger from Toyama Bay that heralds spring to the Sea of Japan.
On this stage, Kirarin, the incarnation of firefly squid, shines pale and white like a real firefly squid, and conveys the appeal of Namerikawa with songs and dances such as folk songs and Shinkawa Ancient God Dance handed down locally along with Negamin, who won number one in Japan at the “Yurubito Grand Prix.”

Boone appeals Musashi no Kuni to Paris!

“Nishiko-kun” in Kokubunji, Tokyo

The mascot character “Nishiko-kun” was born in 2010 as an unofficial character in Kokubunji City, Tokyo.
It is a fairy with the motif of the “stirrup roof tile” used in Musashi Kokubun-ji Temple 1200 years ago, and its charming appearance with legs surely sticking out of its round clay face is popular.
We will enthusiastically promote Tokyo and Kokubunji to Parisians with an exceptional dance performance and “Nishiko-kun ART” displayed at the booth!

We are bringing you lots of wonderful places in Kumamoto!

Kumamoto Prefecture “Kumamon”

As the sales manager and happiness manager of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamon is a superstar in the mascot character world who enthusiastically appeals to the whole country's delicious food and nature.
He is a naughty and curious boy born in 2011/3, when all Kyushu Shinkansen lines were opened.
His special skills are Kumamon exercises and finding surprises and spreading them out.
I will tell everyone in Paris the good points of Kyushu and Kumamoto through energetic dance performances.

Lovable couples representing the mascot character world

“Mergiu-kun and Melmomo-chan” in Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture

Mergiu-kun and Mermomo-chan are symbol characters from Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture, whose ancestors are fire cows (kagyu) who played an active part in the Battle of Kurikara in Genpei. Two people (?) won 5th place in Japan at the Mascot Chara Grand Prix 2015 is loved by many people as a mascot character for couples.
On this stage, the appeal of the characters will be conveyed to the world through interaction with visitors, such as the performance of “loose dance,” and the appeal of Oyabe City in Toyama Prefecture, which is rich in nature and full of historical romance, will be introduced with images.

A Japanese otter boy who loves fashion

“Shinjo-kun” in Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture

Shinjo-kun was last seen at the Shinjo River in Susaki City, and was born with the motif of the Japanese otter, an animal designated as an endangered species. In 2015, I was appointed to the Tsunami Disaster Prevention Promotion Corps and participated in a talk session with Prime Minister Abe, Minister Kono, and Professor Imamura.
Their activities were not limited to local media, but also made news in national newspapers such as the Sankei Shimbun and Yomiuri Shimbun.
What is on my head... Susaki City's specialty, Nabeyaki ramen!?

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An enchanting harmony of tradition and innovation

Mizumo

Mizuun -MIZMO- is an authentic traditional pop girl group that challenges a new frontier of traditional Japanese music.
He is an artist currently in the spotlight who develops a creative worldview using the method of singing KOBUSHI (unique singing method) in harmony with 3 voices.
While they are “children of traditional pop music,” they stick to “free thinking that is not bound by a frame,” and are fascinating with their diverse expressions.
Please enjoy the novel costume design and unexperienced musical innovation!

Japan's AWODORI will heat up the world!

Sosakubuyoshudan takarabune

Awa dance entertainment group Takarafune challenges the possibilities of new Japanese performing arts, with Awa Odori as the main axis.
Despite being organized mainly in their 20s, most of the members have careers of 10 years or more, their reliable skills and enthusiastic performances have captivated many people until now.
Not only have they performed in various parts of Japan, but they have also expanded overseas since 2011.
At “Japan Expo 2014,” she was selected as a pickup artist and received a standing ovation.

An impermanent world depicted in a glamorous way

Kuramochi Ibuki

Kuramochi Ibuki is a painter who creates many works projecting Japanese aesthetics and religious views on the theme of “primitive life and eroticism.”
They are developing activities that are not bound by genre, such as painting, photography, live painting, stage design, and costume design, and are attracting attention.
In 2014, she held her solo exhibition “Under the Spirituality” in NY, and received high praise locally.
Please enjoy her unique elegant world view, which is a mixture of beauty and strength.

A beautiful calligrapher active on the world stage

Haruki Rio

Haruki Risakura is a calligrapher from Niigata Prefecture.
He began full-scale professional activities in 2012/8, and while engaging in calligraphy education, he has performed calligraphy performances not only in Japan but all over the world and is gaining popularity.
She captivates people with her gorgeous looks and powerful performances.
Even at this year's “WABI-SABI,” the audience should quickly be captivated.
Not only is it beautiful, but the brushwork, where you can feel the strength and hot spirit hidden within it, is a must-see.

Open up the future of calligraphy with energetic brushstrokes

Miho

Miho is a calligrapher who develops a style that approaches the original form of characters full of dynamism, using “letters” = “life” without being bound by tradition.
While pursuing the potential of calligraphy, he is active not only in Japan, but also in a wide range of activities, such as producing titles for films and advertisements, collaborating with various artists, and performing booth decorations and performances at the 2014 and 2015 JAPAN EXPO in France.
Currently, in addition to solo activities, I am also working as a unit called Hokiri ~ Hommu ~ with Kirie artist Miko.

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Welcome to the beautiful world of Demons

KIRIE

KIRIE is an art performance group that pursues “a new Japanese beauty” with bewitchingly colored performers based on the theme of Japanese mythology and stories, and a unique sound that interweaves Japanese and Western instruments.
Creative expressions that transcend the boundaries of genres, which combine old-fashioned traditions with modern aesthetic sense, are now attracting a great deal of attention both domestically and internationally.
KIRIE captivates people with a new sense of artistic expression that makes you feel Japan's unique colors and scents.
In addition to performance and dance, we actively incorporate various methods such as voice percussion and calligraphy performances, and continue to evolve day by day.

Shocking sound space created by shigin x computer sound

Shiginyu Nisshie

Modern shigin unit XIè by shigin/dance artist Keisei and sound creator Hagi.
They succeeded in creating a new sound that has never been seen before by fusing words with ethnic and ambient sounds created by computer programming, rather than conventional unaccompanied music or shugi with accompaniment with a koto or shakuhachi.
I want to convey the powerful, beautiful, and emotional Japanese shigin to as many people as possible.
The feelings of these two people will lead Japanese culture to a new stage.

The elegant and charming “fox maihi” handed down from the Edo period

Yoshiwara Kitsune Shachu

“Yoshiwara no Kitsune Mai” is said to have been popular in Yoshiwara, the epicenter of fashion during the Edo period.
Yoshiwara Kitsunosha is an organization working to revive this culture, which was interrupted after the dismantling of the Yoshiwara red-light district, to the present day.
“Yoshiwara no Kitsune Maihi” is an event held on New Year's Eve in Yoshiwara during the Edo period, where people wear a fox mask and dance with coins and bells in both hands.
The unique dances and kagura that have been created based on patterns handed down from the Edo period, and are popular not only for kagura dance offerings at various shrines centered around the local Asakusa area, but also performed at reception parties and parlors at certain embassies.

Deriving the potential of traditional Japanese music through diverse expressions

Takahashi Masayoshi

Takahashi Masayoshi is an internationally active performer who skillfully manipulates the koto that has been handed down in Japan since ancient times.
He has a spectacular career, including winning 1st place (mayor's award) and listener award at the 15th National High School Japanese Music Competition, and winning 2nd place in the Japanese music category at the 17th Great Wall Cup International Music Competition, and has shown off his prowess on many big stages so far.
Please experience this spectacular performance, which depicts various expressions with a variety of expressions.

Japanese-style POPS that will brightly liven up the stage ☆

Fukamari

Fukamari is active as a singer/nagauta performer.
Starting with the traditional Japanese music “Nagauta,” which I learned from childhood, they will perform on a Japanese-style pop stage that combines various musical experiences such as pop music, classical music, and musicals.
The lyrics, which include the language and culture of the Edo period, the unique vocalizations, enchanting transitions, and the adorable sound of the shamisen should captivate many Japanese fans.
At the JapanEXPO last year, beautiful costumes with an arrangement of percussion into a dress also garnered popularity.

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A sound competition that respects nature and gives thanks

Search for peace from Hiroshima

“Searching for Peace from Hiroshima” is a music, video, and installation by musicians associated with Hiroshima.
We will test productions that can be felt with all five senses through various performances such as songs, dances, and gagaku performances.
The stage director is Izumi Kan, a young artist who is attracting attention.
Also, world-renowned DJ KURO will act as the music director.
Please experience the history and heart of Japan expressed by up-and-coming artists active both domestically and internationally, and its fresh and rich worldview.

What if this star was overshadowed by pictures.

Picture books without pictures

Official websitethan

“Picture Book Without Pictures” is a work created in 2009 in the wake of President Obama's speech in Prague declaring the pursuit of a peaceful world without nuclear weapons.
As the title suggests, there are no pictures in this picture book. As readers read the story, they freely draw pictures on pure white pages and complete the only picture book in the world.
Until now, students from various schools in Hiroshima prefecture have worked on creating this picture book and deepened their understanding of peace.
A hopeful fantasy set in a star destroyed by nuclear war.
The work will be read aloud at the venue on the day.

Experience the essence of samurai culture that Japan is proud of!

Katana Yaichi

“Touya Ichi” is a sword fighting group that disseminates sword fighting culture known as ancient Japanese culture to the world and conducts international exchange.
We have carried out a wide range of initiatives, from full-scale actor training courses to exercises incorporating body modification and core training, and even workshops for foreign tourists, and continue to convey the cool traditional culture of Japan domestically and internationally.
The sword fight performance was truly impressive. You can directly feel the powerful yet beautiful Japanese “Bushido” with your skin.

A digital x pop folk song unit that creates a new Japan

Neo Ballad

Neo Ballad is a new-type folk song unit composed of Wakasa Sachi, who has won the national folk song competition as a child, and Kamiryo Wataru, who has accurate and unrivaled drum skills called “Senju Kannon.”
Since their debut in 2013, they have carried out activities spanning not only Japan but around the world, and are currently attracting attention.
The novel and pop digital sound, which skillfully incorporates the essence of techno, rock, etc. into the original lyrics and melodies of folk songs, is excellent to listen to.
Please be sure to clap your hands while watching the “full sense of congratulations” performance using a launch gavel and fan!

A rare artist who disseminates Japanese mythology to the world

・Ekotsumi ・

Singer-songwriter/storyteller Ekotsumi tells myths and folklore.
Focusing on the humane feelings of the gods, he is currently active based in Europe with a unique style drawn by blending it with contemporary pop music.
They also appeared in the opening act of the 1st Japanese Film Festival held in Florence, Italy, and HYPER JAPAN Christmas Market 2015 held in London, England.
In 2016/2, she successfully performed solo for the first time in Paris.

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Japanese divas active on the world stage

Miou

Singer-songwriter Mio has captivated many fans with her expressive singing voice and her beauty.
In addition to live performances at home and abroad, she won the Top Asian Fashion Singer of the Year award at the Fashion Asia Awards 2011 held in China, and is currently active worldwide.
As a singer, she says she wants to promote Japan to the world, and her graceful stage is a must-see.

Bringing the finest entertainment that Japan is proud of to the world!

Kikakuya

Official websitethan

“We want to deliver traditional performing arts as inspiring entertainment so that anyone can easily see them in any place.”
Kamezuruya continues its activities with such feelings in mind.
Until now, the dance has been performed in a wide variety of places, such as schools, commercial facilities, nursing homes, and airports.
In 2014, he also performed at the 65th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
We are actively working both domestically and internationally to disseminate the good old traditions of Japan to the world.

Bring smiles to the venue with a bright “chindon” sound!

Bentenya

“If you walk around the street corner, you'll come across a Chindon shop!” Nagoya Chindon Bentenya launched its flag in 2008/3 to make Nagoya such a fun city.
“Chindon,” performed by girls dressed in colorful fashions, has a bright and mysterious energy that makes people who encounter them smile one after another.
Retro, pop, and coquettish.
Please enjoy the girls' stage to the fullest, making the venue cheerful and exciting.

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