Noge Daidogei (street performance fest) 2021 was held on June 20th in Yokohama Nigiwai-za. The event was attended by a live audience taking proper precautions due to the pandemic. An NHK crew was also on hand to film the event. I’m glad to report that it was a huge success.
I have something that I would like everyone to know about the Noge Daidogei planning committee. They assert that they are committed to holding the event for “the people who are truly looking forward to it”. Some might say, “That’s par for the course, no?” But it’s this basic premise that is considered in every decision made, including whether they should hold the event, in what format to hold it, how to attract customers, and of course, how to earn a profit.
Because of my photography work, I have attended a large variety of events, but this is the only one I’ve witnessed that values their audience in this way. As a result of the committee’s high standard, event volunteers are very enthusiastic. This passion inspires the performers and all involved are genuinely working for “the people who are truly looking forward to it”.
This year’s MC Iori Mikumo is a legendary street performer and one of the most recognized faces of the event. His performance develops as he communicates with the audience, an activity he refers to as shabe-ling (the Japanese verb to talk + “ling” from juggling) instead of simply juggling. His interactive performance style is “for the audience”.
In the dressing room he tells me that he gets stage fright easily. Hidden behind the smile of a professional performer is a serious drive to not disappoint the viewer. Right before he took the stage, the smile he flashed me was one of a cool, veteran performer.
Beyond the committee members I mentioned, the stage director, all staff, volunteers, and performers strive to put on a performance the people can truly look forward to. Of course, it’s far from boring! If you missed your chance to watch this time, you can look forward to the next event which will take place on September 18th and 19th.