{"id":442,"date":"2025-11-02T20:04:09","date_gmt":"2025-11-02T11:04:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.boundless-art.com\/?p=442"},"modified":"2025-11-07T10:29:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T01:29:53","slug":"event-report-benten-2-art-night-kabukicho-on-site-report-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.boundless-art.com\/?p=442","title":{"rendered":"[Event Report] \u201cBENTEN 2 Art Night Kabukicho\u201d On-Site Report"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From November 1 to 3, 2025, \u201cBENTEN 2 Art Night Kabukicho\u201d<\/em> is taking place \u2014 a three-night art festival curated by Chim\u2191Pom from Smappa!Group.
Set in Kabukicho, known as the largest entertainment district in the East, the event unfolds across multiple venues throughout the neighborhood, where \u201csomething\u201d is happening simultaneously at every corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0So, what exactly is going on in Kabukicho?

\u00a0With two days left before closing, here\u2019s a real-time report from the first night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUshiro-san, he\u2019s on the second floor right now!\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I entered the venue at exactly 3:00 p.m.
Since I had already communicated with the staff beforehand for a pre-event interview<\/a>, I greeted them briefly and went straight into the Ojo Building.
There was a lot to do today \u2014 as a rookie writer, I was determined to gather as much material as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as I was about to explore from the basement to the fifth floor, I received a message from the staff:

\u201cUshiro-san, he\u2019s on the second floor right now!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Ryuta Ushiro \/ Chim\u2191Pom from Smappa!Group<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Could you give a quick message for the visitors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ushiro : There\u2019s always something happening somewhere, so please check the timetable carefully and enjoy exploring.
I\u2019m in charge of the \u2018Situation Theater\u2019 on the second floor today. Around 4 p.m., there will be performances, singing, and various acts by different performers. It\u2019s a very performative space, so please come and take a look.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKatsuben\u201d \u2014 Outshining the Latest Technology<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Next, I headed to the 5th floor to see the \u201cKatsubenten Film Festival.\u201d
<\/em> To be honest, it was my first encounter with katsuben \u2014 and it was mind-blowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the history of Japanese cinema, the first films were shown domestically in 1896. Since these were silent films, \u201cbenshi\u201d (live narrators) played an essential role in explaining the story to the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among them, Yata Aso<\/a>, who became the first benshi to receive the Minister of Education Award in 1998, performed \u201cUkiyo-e Katsuben\u201d<\/em> and \u201cChikemuri Kojinyama.\u201d
<\/em> His powerful, dynamic voice and expressive gestures filled the room with energy.
The moments of complete silence in between added a tense, captivating rhythm that drew the audience deeper into the performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D, 4DX, IMAX…
As modern technology continues to push the boundaries of immersive cinema, one can\u2019t help but wonder \u2014 can anything truly surpass the intensity of a live performance shared in the same space?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Yata Aso \/ Benshi Katsuben performer. Inspired to become a benshi after an emotional encounter with \u201cSakamoto Ryoma.\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How do you feel about participating in \u201cBENTEN\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yata Aso : I\u2019m deeply moved by this amazing venue (Ojo Building). It\u2019s like stepping right back into Shinjuku as it was 40 or 50 years ago. The fact that it\u2019s still here \u2014 that\u2019s a miracle. It brings back so many memories from when we used to hang out here as young men. This place really makes us feel young again.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I noticed you incorporated rock music into your performance, which was surprising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yata Aso : Other benshi might scold me for that \u2014 saying, \u2018That\u2019s not how it\u2019s supposed to be!\u2019
But the audience lives in this<\/em> era, not the past.
To make silent films feel thrilling and alive today, I think that kind of freedom is essential.
For any art form to survive, it has to evolve and adapt to its time. That\u2019s my philosophy \u2014 always finding new ways to bring joy to today\u2019s audience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any message for the younger generation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yata Aso : Always stay genuine and alive. I\u2019ve lived my life that way and will continue to do so.
There\u2019s no need to hold back or fade quietly into the background as you age.
Live wildly and naturally \u2014 places like Shinjuku will always welcome that kind of spirit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performing \u201cKatsuben\u201d in English for a Samurai Film<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Koyata Aso \/ Benshi performer, daughter of Yata Aso.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At 6:30 p.m., the performance took an unexpected turn \u2014 \u201ckatsuben\u201d<\/em> in English, performed by Koyata Aso, Yata\u2019s daughter, who debuted as a benshi at age 10.

Was it difficult performing in English?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Koyata Aso : Especially with Japanese chanbara<\/em> (samurai) films, I try to preserve the unique rhythm and intonation of traditional katsuben even in English \u2014 that\u2019s the hardest part.
Conversely, when performing for foreign films like \u2018The Adventurer\u2019<\/em> by Charlie Chaplin, the actors are already speaking in their native English, so their energy naturally transfers through the performance. It\u2019s fascinating \u2014 I can feel and match their emotions directly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Visitor from Spain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the performance, I happened to sit next to a man from Spain.
He kindly answered my questions through my AI translator \u2014 I regret not catching his name, but I\u2019d like to thank him here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
He said he was from Spain. I was so focused on translating that, of all things, I forgot to ask his name\u2026 I just hope our paths cross again someday.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever seen katsuben before?

\uff1aNever. It was an amazing experience.
The performer could play many voices \u2014 old women, men \u2014 switching so seamlessly.
She brought tremendous value and emotion to the film.
Unlike 3D movies, here you can actually see<\/em> how people react emotionally to the story being told aloud.
It\u2019s like listening to a book being read out loud \u2014 I really loved that.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What brought you to \u2018BENTEN 2 Art Night Kabukicho\u2019?

\uff1a I follow some of the participating artists on Instagram, and their posts intrigued me, so I decided to come.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And how was the event overall?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\uff1a Honestly, it\u2019s one of the best art events I\u2019ve ever been to.
It\u2019s fascinating how it spreads throughout Shinjuku and Kabukicho \u2014 you can feel the history and atmosphere of the city. Each room and building has its own charm. I really loved it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you think of Japanese art?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\uff1a That\u2019s a hard question! I think Japanese art is unique \u2014 delicate yet wild, refined yet emotional.
There\u2019s an incredible attention to detail and craftsmanship.
It\u2019s subtle and sensitive but also daring. I\u2019ve been fascinated by Japanese art since I was a child. Truly, I\u2019m very grateful for it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you very much!!! Have a nice day!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We shook hands and parted ways at the entrance of the Ojo Building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping the \u201cRed Tent\u201d Spirit of Karagumi Alive \u2014 with New Freedom of Movement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
\u201cLove and Futon\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s rewind the timeline.

\u00a0Right after watching Yata Aso\u2019s \u201cKatsubenten Film Festival\u201d<\/em>, I headed back to the second floor where Ushiro-san was earlier \u2014 just in time to catch the tail end of Karagumi\u2019s \u201cSituation Theater.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first show, \u201cLove and Futon,\u201d<\/em> featured a dramatic stage performance.
The following act, \u201cSinging the Words of Juro Kara,\u201d<\/em> blended guitar, cello, and the late playwright\u2019s poetic words in mesmerizing harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
\u300c\u5504\u3044\u8aad\u3080\u5510\u5341\u90ce\u306e\u8a00\u8449\u300d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One hallmark of Karagumi\u2019s productions is the \u201cred tent\u201d<\/em> style, where audiences sit close together on the floor like at a picnic \u2014 no fixed seating.
Although there was no tent this time, the audience sat on mats directly on the floor, preserving that intimate atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Actor Yuki Fukumoto<\/a>, who performed in both shows, said :
\u201cCompared to our usual Karagumi performances, the audience here was different \u2014 and the freedom of people coming and going felt refreshing.\u201d

Together with cellist Makiko Sato<\/a>, who played in \u201cSinging the Words of Juro Kara,\u201d<\/em> I spoke with them near the Ojo Building entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Yuki Fukumoto \/ Actor, Karagumi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fukumoto : It was unusual but exciting to see people freely entering and leaving during the performance.
Even if they didn\u2019t catch everything, I hope they found some beauty in the rhythm or poetry of Juro Kara\u2019s words \u2014 something that lingers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Maikiko Sato \/ Cellist. Known for solo performances as well as genre-crossing collaborations with traditional Japanese instruments such as the koto and shamisen.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How was it performing with live narration?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sato : Even when I play normally, I treat my instrument like my own voice \u2014 blending it with the words.
This time too, I responded to the actors\u2019 emotions and adjusted the cello\u2019s rhythm and pitch accordingly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So it was like a live session?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sato : Exactly. I want to keep doing performances that are spontaneous, alive, and impossible to recreate \u2014 with fascinating collaborators.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coming Next:
<\/strong> In the next installment, we\u2019ll feature Ellie from Chim\u2191Pom from Smappa!Group and Bokunoh .
\u2192 To be continued<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BENTEN 2 Art Night Kabukicho<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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Dates:<\/strong> November 1 (Sat) \u2013 November 3 (Mon, Holiday), 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The roaming art event\u00a0\u201cBENTEN 2 Art Night Kabukicho\u201d\u00a0will be held from November 1 to 3, 2025.
Following last year\u2019s\u00a0BENTEN 2024<\/em>, this year\u2019s edition takes on the theme\u00a0\u201cRewilding the City\u201d, curated once again by\u00a0Chim\u2191Pom from Smappa!Group\u00a0and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participants will journey through various venues \u2014 including\u00a0Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Theater,\u00a0Ojo Building,\u00a0Decameron,\u00a0WHITEHOUSE, and\u00a0Tokyo Desert\u00a0\u2014 to experience\u00a0Kabukicho<\/em>\u00a0as a living, breathing culture.
Come and witness the chaotic reality of the city, where light and shadow intertwine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Event Schedule:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n