Tokyu Foundation Cocoon Actors Studio Begins Applications on August 1

The Tokyu Foundation (President: Kiyoshi Kaneshi) is now accepting applications for the 'Tokyu Foundation Cocoon Actors Studio.'

The 'Tokyu Foundation Cocoon Actors Studio' is an educational initiative targeting the next generation of actors and performers in the field of performing arts, based on the foundation's founding principle: 'contributing to the realization of a truly enriched society through the discovery, development, and support of outstanding talent.' The program aims to contribute to the advancement and development of culture in Japan and worldwide by identifying and nurturing promising individuals.

This initiative is organized by the Tokyu Foundation with cooperation from Tokyu Cultural Village Co., Ltd.

* Starting with the 2027 enrollment cycle, the 'Cocoon Actors Studio,' previously hosted three times by Tokyu Cultural Village Co., Ltd., will now be organized by the Tokyu Foundation.

* For information on past activities of the 'Cocoon Actors Studio,' please visit Tokyu Cultural Village's website: https://www.bunkamura.co.jp/sp/cas/

【2027 Enrollment Overview: Tokyu Foundation Cocoon Actors Studio】

Featuring experts from various theatrical disciplines as instructors—including Bunkamura's artistic advisor, Matsuo Suzuki—the program offers a curriculum combining foundational classes in voice, physical expression, and script analysis with practical training in creation and performance, creating a space to develop diverse skills.

Additionally, a public performance showcasing the participants' year-long growth is scheduled for March 2028.

Five Features of the Cocoon Actors Studio:

① Top-Tier Instructors from the Theater World

[Academic Director/Acting] Matsuo Suzuki

[Acting] Okui Shuji, Nose Eiji, Sugihara Kunio, Horikoshi Ryo

[Japanese Dance and Movement] Fujima Kiga

[Dance] Air:man Choreography Workshop

[Voice and Singing] Kurata Midori

② Comprehensive Curriculum for Holistic Skill Development

The curriculum combines foundational classes in voice, physical expression, and script analysis with practical training in creation and performance, aiming for steady skill improvement.

③ Public Performance to Showcase One Year of Growth

A public performance is scheduled for March 2028. The production will be directed by Takutaku Yamamoto, artistic director of the theater company 'Hanzu Yuyu,' who won the 66th Kishida Kunio Drama Award for 'Can You Eat Banana Flowers?'. The play will be Matsuo Suzuki's 'Ensemble Days—They Have Names Too,' which received attention after winning the 51st Kikuta Kazuo Theater Award.

④ Opportunities to Experience Professional Production Environments

Participants will have opportunities to observe the creative process of actual productions by Bunkamura Theater Cocoon and, whenever possible, participate in auditions.

⑤ Diverse Special Workshops

Special workshops featuring Takutaku Yamamoto, who will direct the final performance, as well as other distinguished guest instructors, are also planned. Details will be announced later.

Training Period: April–December 2027 (Regular Classes)

January–March 2028 (Rehearsals and Performance for Public Showcase)

Training Schedule: Approximately three sessions per week (including weekends and holidays), about three hours per day

Training Location: Shibuya Ward and nearby areas in Tokyo

Eligibility: Ages 18–26 (Applicants must be able to prioritize the studio's activities; acting experience and affiliation with production companies or theater troupes are not required)

Number of Participants: Approximately 20

Application Period: August 1 (Sat) to August 31 (Mon), 2026, until 23:59

Annual Tuition: 300,000 JPY (tax included)

Scholarship: 50,000 JPY (awarded upon graduation)

* For detailed application information, please visit the official website: https://foundation.tokyu.co.jp/

【Comment from Matsuo Suzuki】

It's already the fourth year. Gradually, our graduates are beginning to make their mark.

With 'Ensemble Days,' I myself received a prestigious award, and I believe our training program's graduation performance has reached uncharted territory.

And still, I continue to ponder what makes an actor truly interesting.

This is something difficult to teach through theory.

Because the 'interestingness' lies within each actor and cannot be implanted from the outside.

I believe it gradually seeps out from within the body through trying various things together and exposing oneself to the audience's gaze.

However, without solid fundamentals, even that emerging 'interestingness' will be hard to convey to others.

There is still no definitive answer, but let's explore it together.

【About the Tokyu Foundation's Arts and Culture Initiatives】

The Tokyu Foundation's arts and culture initiatives are built upon the philosophy of Noboru Goshima (former Chairman of Tokyo Kyuko Electric Railway, now Tokyu Corporation): 'Happiness lies not only in working but also in enjoying life and deepening richness.' This spirit has been carried forward by the Goshima Memorial Cultural Foundation, established in 1990, and its cultural programs.

With the conclusion of the 'Goshima Memorial Cultural Award for New Artists,' the Tokyu Foundation will launch new arts and culture initiatives starting in 2026. While inheriting the fundamental idea of 'contributing to a richer society through culture,' the foundation will focus on recognition and educational programs to nurture the next generation of talent.

【About Tokyu Cultural Village Co., Ltd.】

As the core entity for cultural initiatives within the Tokyu Group, Tokyu Cultural Village views the creation and dissemination of culture and the arts as a business intertwined with society. Acting as a bridge between creators and audiences, the company supports the arts and aims to deliver the live emotional experience to all customers, ensuring maximum satisfaction and inspiration. It operates three cultural facilities in Shibuya, Tokyo: Bunkamura, Tokyu Theatre Orb, and the Cerulean Tower Noh Theater. Each facility develops original programming that leverages its unique characteristics to create and disseminate high-quality culture.

https://www.bunkamura.co.jp/company/

【Inquiries】

Tokyu Foundation Arts and Culture Program Office

E-mail: [email protected]