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| SONEZAKI |
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Profile
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Mayumi Kagita
(Director, Choreographer and Dancer)
as Ohatsu |
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Hiroki Sato
(Director, Choreographer and Dancer)
as Tokubei |
Japan’s most famous flamenco dancer and choreographer. Kagita is well-known for her prominent talent and direction of truly original works. Over her brilliant career, Kagita has performed in Spain several times―capturing the eyes of both Spanish newspapers and television, where she has won much acclaim.
Her dancing career started at the age of six when she began modern dance. At 18, she began learning flamenco.
In 1990, Kagita was awarded the Kawakami Suzuko Spanish Dance New Performers’ Award. In 1996, she was awarded a prize at the Yokohama Competition of Ballet and Modern Dance for the first time as a flamenco dancer. Then the next year in 1997, she was awarded both the Most Outstanding Dancer Award, and the Kanagawa Governor’s Award at the Yokohama Competition of Ballet and Modern Dance.
In 1998, Kagita was awarded the “Cultural Affairs Agency Art Festival Award for New Dancers” for her performance in “Lemon Aika.“ This production is based on the famous novel “Chieko-sho” by Takamura Kotaro, and was performed in collaboration with Noh artists.
In 2001, Kagita’s work entitled “The Love Suicide at Sonezaki” was awarded the ”Cultural Affairs Agency Art Festival Best Award in the Theater Category.”
In both 1999 and 2000, Kagita was selected as one of the “Best Dancers” of all genre by the Japanese Music Dance Newspaper.
In 1992, Kagita opened the doors to her successful dance studio “Arte y Solera”. Together with her partner Hiroki Sato, Kagita dedicates herself to teaching dance.
Kagita has released numerous books and videos on flamenco, and currently teaches dance and choreography, while also making guest appearances on television. |
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Sato is most known for being “a young and hopeful flamenco dancer and choreographer” because of his excellent sensitivity that shines through his flamenco.
Since “Lemon Aika” in 1998, Sato has worked in unison with Mayumi Kagita as her partner.
Sato’s great talent in direction and choreography shown through his new works has brought new influence to the world of flamenco. Accordingly, Sato’s proven ability is highly recognized in Spain as well.
In 1996 Sato was awarded the Kawakami Suzuko Spanish Dance New Dancer Award. That same year, he was the first newcomer to receive a Special Incentive Award during the Japan Flamenco Association competition. As a direct result of the talent that Sato showed as a new dancer, he also quickly caught the eyes of those in Spain. To add to his awards, Sato was also captured the top award given at the Yokohama Competition of Ballet and Modern Dance. At that same competition, in 1997, Sato received both the top award, and the Governor of Kanagawa Award. In 2001, “The Love Suicide at Sonezaki” was awarded the ”Cultural Affairs Agency Art Festival Best Award”.
Currently, Sato along with partner Mayumi Kagita head their dance studio “Arte y Solera.” Along with his videos and books on Flamenco, Sato supervises and appears on television programs. |
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Yoko Aki
(Producer and Lyricist) |
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Ryudo Uzaki
(Music Supervision and Composition) |
Yoko Aki currently works as both a lyricist and writer. Aki's debut work was the lyrics for the song “Yoko of the Seaport in Yokohama” by “Down Town Boogie Oogie Band,” which is led by Ryudo Uzaki.
Since then, Aki has provided lyrics for numerous top singers in Japan, whose songs eventually went on to be huge hits.
In 1976, Aki was awarded the “Japan Record Grand Prix” for the lyrics to “Yokosuka Story”. Then in 1997, she was honored with the “Japan Record Grand Prix” for “Miserarrete.” She then went on to capture the same award in1986 for “Desire.”
Recently, Aki has kept considerably busy writing both novels and essays, to include “Bed no kishimi”, and “Ran, Ran, Ran”. Aki's first cook book, “Hoppeta pororin rescipe” was published in the spring.
It was Aki that laid the ground work for the flamenco version of “The Love Suicide at Sonezaki,” by using all Japanese lyrics based on Ryudo Uzaki's rock version. Aki has been a fan of flamenco for more than 10 years, so her aesthetic feelings for flamenco and plays are reflected through this work. |
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Ryudo Uzaki currently works as both a musician and composer.
Since his debut with the “Down Town Boogie Oogie Band,”Uzaki has played a leading role in the music scene of Japan. In 1984, Uzaki formed the band called “Ryudo-gumi.” This band, which toured throughout the world, incorporated Japanese taiko drums into rock music creating a sound unheard in the past.
Apart from his work in music bands, Uzaki has made music for other singers, that have consequently gone on to be very successful. In 1996, Uzaki received the “Japan Record Grand Prix” in the music category.
Uzaki also has showcased his talents by acting in movies and television dramas, while making music for the plays written by such people as Yukio Ninagawa.
The flamenco version of “The Love Suicide at Sonezaki,” in which Uzaki supervises the music, is based on the original rock version. The entire lyrics for this production were written by Yoko Aki in Japanese, which has helped to create a whole new atmosphere for flamenco from Japan. |
Yoshio Yano
(Dance) as Kuheiji |
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Troupe of Kagita and Sato
(Dance) |
Yano is a young and promising dancer, who is best known for his. sharpness, and strong “sapateado (music made by the feet),”along with his abundant power of expression.
A top dancer of the “Troupe of Kagita and Sato,” Yano is one of the top flamenco stars in Japan.
In the “The Love Suicide at Sonezaki,” Yano plays the unique character of Kuheiji, which to date, has received great acclaim.
In 1999, Yano was awarded the Best Prize from the Japan Flamenco Association. |
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This troupe was organized in 1998.
This group of powerful dancers have well-trained bodies and are masters in the art of expression.
Although the troupe is beautifully controlled as a group, each possesses their own originality―which helps make the troupe one of the most import pieces of the puzzle to this production. Several of the members of this troupe have been awarded accolades for their performances as new dancers. |
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Masanobu Takimoto
(Flamenco Singer) as Tokubei |
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Keiko Kawashima
(Flamenco Singer) as Ohatsu |
Takimoto enthusiastically sings flamenco with a heavy voice, which has helped him earn the title of “Japan’s leading flamenco singer.” Takimoto not only sings for the dance but performs solos as well.
In 1998, Takimoto performed at the largest flamenco festival in Sevilla, Spain that takes place each year. At this festival, Takimoto became the first Japanese to win an award as a singer.
Takimoto also sings in live house of traditional flamenco “Los Cavares” in Spain, as well as keeping active as a singer. |
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Kawashima is a singer full of esprit of flamenco.
In her very first performance, Kawashima captured the hearts of the audience which helped her receive much acclaim.
Kawashima repeatedly visits Spain, and maintains a close relationship with the distinguished family of flamenco “Agujeta,”where she continues to learn the native flamenco that has been carried on through the gipsy family.
Kawashima received the 5th Prize of the Japan Flamenco Association. |
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Takamitsu Ishizuka
(Flamenco Singer) as Kuheiji |
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Takashi Suzuki
(Flamenco Guitar and Arrangement) |
Ishizuka, the most popular flamenco singer in Japan, sings the part of Kuheiji with his prominent sense of flamenco.
After graduating from university, Ishizuka departed for Spain and where he learned flamenco from the gypsies of Jerez.
Ishizuka now shares his time living in both Spain and Japan.
Ishizuka appeared as the first foreign singer in live houses in Barcelona.
In 1997, he received the prize of Japan Flamenco Association. And then in 1999, he received the prize at the competition of Madrid, Spain. |
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Suzuki is the leading guitarist of flamenco in Japan.
Suzuki left Japan in 1984, and went to Spain to play at festivals and live houses there.
He often visits Jerez, the home of flamenco, to continue working on music, and to maintain close relationships with the town’s people.
Suzuki creates his original music emphasizing the tradition of flamenco. |
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Masahiro Obara
(Flamenco Guitar) |
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Gen Ogimi
(Percussion) |
Obara is a guitarist who is not bound by genre.
With fingers and picks, Obara creates both vivid and strong sounds.
Obara has profound relationships with those in flamenco.
In 1985, Obara stayed in Sevilla for three years and a half, where he forged friendships with Changuito and other native artists. Apart from playing the guitar, Obara also makes music for e recordings. |
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Ogimi is one of the top percussionists in the world.
In 1984, Ogimi formed a salsa band called “Orquesta de la Luz” that helped salsa boom in Japan. In 1990, his band’s al bum was released at the same time throughout the world. Soon afterwards, it hit the top of the billboards of the Caribbean Category for ten weeks in a row.
After leaving his band, Ogimi went to N.Y. where he lived from 1990-1996. Later he formed the new salsa band called “SALSA SWIN’GOZA.” Apart form his own salsa music band, Ogimi challenges to have sessions with other musicians of other genres that range from jazz to contemporary. |
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Hiroshi Tanaka
(Piano and Arrangements) |
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Jiro Murayama
(“Shinobue” Japanese Flute) |
Tanaka is a international pianist that creates original music both in jazz and flamenco.
Tanaka is well respected for his tremendous talents and the beautiful touch of his piano.
His well trained techniques are very appealing. Tanaka has released several c.d.s to date. |
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Murayama is the Japanese traditional flutist of great talent and shows the possibilities of the instrument through his original musical style.
In 1989, his career started as a member of the Japanese Wadaieko Group called “Kodo.”
In 1991, his own band “Rebunkamui” was formed.
Murayama works on recordings of other artists such as Takako Shirai and Eiichi Arai. He plays overseas as well and is highly acclaimed. |
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Gessui Kuroda
(“Tosabiwa” Japanese Guitar) |
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Hibiki Doen
(“Wadaiko” Japanese Percussion) |
Kuroda is the grand master of “Tosabiwa”, traditional guitar of Japan. She is known for the sensitive tune of “Tosabiwa” and her rich voiceful expressions.
The scene of “Michiyuki” (the walking scene of the two before executing a double-suicide)” is accompanied by her “Tosabiwa” and the vocal is the most dramatic part of this “The Love Suicide at Sonezaki.” Kuroda started learning “Biwa” under the grand master of “Satsumabiwa”, Josui Nakatani.
In 1996, Kuroda went back to her hometown in Kochi (Tosa) in order to start her original style “ Tosabiwa.” Apart fom playing solos, Kuroda actively collaborates with the musicians of other genres. Madrid, Spain. |
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Hibiki started his career in Japan’s leading “Wadaiko” grurp called “Kodo,” which tours the world.
In 1997, Hibiki became independent from the group and started sessions with other musicians of other genres, pursuing the possibilities of “Wadaiko.”
In “The Love Suicide at Sonezaki,” Hibiki shows us the new spatial and musical possibilities of “Wadaiko.” |
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STAFF |
Production and Lyrics
Music supervision and Composition
Direction, Arrangement and Choreography
Stage design
Stage lighting
Sounds
Costume tie-up
Costume
Shoes
Hair and Make-up
Construction coordination
Special effects
Stage direstion
Stage supervision
Promotion design
Photograph
Stage cooperation
Stade production |
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Yoko Aki
Ryudo Uzaki
Mayumi Kagita, Hiroki Sato
Ryonen Egashira
CAT Hiroko Yoshikawa
Freeway Yukihisa Kaneda
Chacott
Renko Yamamoto
Gallardo Dance S.L
Chacott, Jin Sakaya
Union Stage Company
Spark
Hideo Aoki
Tomomasa Akagi
Fumitoku
Yuki Ohmori, Hiroyuki Kawashima
Mieko Nishiwaki
Office Dragon, Arte y Solera |
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| Copyright 2004 OFFICE DRAGON 2004 ARTE Y SOLERA |
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