#12 Discover J
J-COLLABO creates several events with Kenji Williams. “BELLA GAIA: Origin Stories of Japan” explores the relationship between humans and nature through ancient Japanese arts fused with modern expression and technology.
We had another event with Kenji Williams and Kikuno at Himuro Shrine in Nara,located directly across the street from the Nara National Museum. It was Established in the 8th century
Event at Yakushi-ji in Nara on May 24
An Awe-Inspiring Multimedia Live Concert, blending an ancient Japanese orchestra and stunning projections of NASA imagery of Earth from Space at Yakushi-ji.
We had another event with Kenji Williams at Yakushi-ji in Nara. Nara was Ja- pan’s first permanent capital city, and has an abundance of Unesco World Heritage sites, including some of the country’s oldest Buddhist temples. Since we met several supporter including Geisha KIKUNO, we focused on Nara as the first featured location.
COLLABORATION with ARTISTS in NARA
Director, Composer, Violin : Kenji Williams
Dance and Taiko : Kikuno
Guitar : Yukizo Kanetani
Taiko : Kikuji
Gagaku : Tenri Gagaku
Coordinator : Shogo Nikaido (augment.co.ltd.)
Coordinator : Kyoko Izumi (augment.co.ltd.)
Supervisor : Yusuke Shintaku
Supporter : Tsuruya
J-COLLABO Exective Producer : Hitoshi Sagaseki
Discover J #01 – BELLA GAIA : Origin Stories of Japan
Discover J #01
BELLA GAIA : Origin Stories of Japan
The show started off with a pre-event video screening by CHIKA
A Noh-inspired dance performance by Mayo Yamaguchi, Kaoru Watanabe, and Yumi Kurosawa.
T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki, Buddhist priest doing Shomyo (chanting).
Japanese Gagaku Ensemble with Kenji
Finale Performance
DJ Spooky interviewed Kenji Williams
BELLA GAIA : Origin Stories of Japan casts
It is J-COLLABO’s vision to create opportunities to share Japanese culture as much as possible. We are currently fundraising for BELLA GAIA performances in Japan and preparing for projects #02, #03 and #04 of DISCOVER J. We are looking forward to a fascinating period of artistic collaboration and cultural discovery.
Discover J Project #01
BELLA GAIA : Origin Stories of Japan
BELLA GAIA x J-COLLABO
An Awe-Inspiring Multimedia Live Concert, blending an ancient Japanese orchestra, Buddhist chants, and stunning projections of NASA imagery of Earth from Space.
“BELLA GAIA: Origin Stories of Japan” explores the relationship between humans and nature through ancient Japanese arts fused with modern expression and technology. The 70-minute immersive performance produced and performed by Williams, features Japanese traditional artists performing Live Noh (dance), Gagaku (ceremonial orchestra), and Shomyo (chanting), and more.
