Japanese Brunch

They will discuss their curatorial, artistic, and dramaturgical approaches and answer questions from the audience. Tea and sushi bites will be served.

Following a welcome address by Mitsuko Shino, the Japanese Ambassador to Germany, Yusuke Hashimoto will speak about the Berlin Festival’s special focus on the performing and musical arts of Japan during its anniversary year. He will also introduce the two guest performances, *Planet [wanderer]* by Damien Jalet and Kohei Nawa, as well as *2020* by Dumb Type, which will be presented as part of the 2026/27 Performing Arts Season.

Akira Takayama explains the conceptual underpinnings of his experimental theater work and the urban art project *What If Berlin*, for which the Japanese theater artist invites the audience to explore Berlin’s Ringbahn. Over four weekends, he will lead “guided tours” along the 27 S-Bahn stations, proposing the realization of a site-specific artistic project at each location to bring them to life.

The Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz is a partner of the Berliner Festspiele for “Focus Japan,” presenting two new productions and one guest performance.

Partner events include, among others, two works by Satoko Ichihara: the new production *Mononoke*, which premieres on October 3 and marks the Japanese playwright and director’s first work at a German theater, as well as the production *Yoroboshi*, which will be presented at the Volksbühne in the spring of 2027.

At the Japanese Brunch, dramaturg Helena Eckert will offer insights into Ichihara’s creative process and the conceptual ideas behind *Mononoke*.

(In German and Japanese with German translation)