3 events at the Tokyo Tokyo Festival you can enjoy for free online

This novel mobile dance project takes place on a cargo truck. The performance space is created with LED lighting along with video projections. The Takanawa performance, recorded in September 2020 in front of Takanawa Gateway Station, is performed by premier multidisciplinary artists and dancers, including Yoko Higashino and Yukio Suzuki – the curators of Dance Truck Tokyo – and dance duo Masako Yasumoto and Norihito Ishii, all of whom specialise in contemporary choreography.

The video is made by alternating snippets of each performance, turning this production into a colourful, funky spectacle showcasing the latest trends in Tokyo’s contemporary dance scene.

This experimental art festival is influenced by butoh, an avant-garde performing art that originated in Japan in 1959. Tokyo Real Underground goes beyond butoh’s typical slow movement and white makeup, providing a stage for contemporary artists to showcase experimental works inspired by butoh.

Tokyo Real Underground’s events are held at various underground spots across Tokyo, such as former station buildings or underpasses, to emphasise the connection between body and city. New performances are still being added and after each one is released online, you can enjoy talks by artists relating to the show. Some talks are only available for about 24 hours after the performance is released. The entire programme is available online for free until August 15. To watch, you’ll have to register your email address on the official website and click the link to the online portal page that’s sent to you via email.   

For a list of recommended online events, see here. 

This short movie series by Argentinian theatre and film director Marco Canale is based on the memories, experiences and feelings of 12 senior citizens in Tokyo. Each film focuses on one person, who talks about their life in the capital, including childhood memories going all the way back to the aftermath of World War II. The films are intended as a way to preserve and share this knowledge with younger generations.

Even though each video is under five minutes long, you’ll feel a close connection to each of the subjects and end up binge-watching all 12 movies. Each interview is accompanied by old family photos, turning it into an eye-opening trip to the past. Some of the seniors have a background in traditional performing arts, so keep an eye out for some katana swordplay and buyo dance, too.

Each short film is complete with English subtitles.

See Tokyo Tokyo Festival's full online programme here.