Commemorating 15 Years Since the Great East Japan Earthquake: A Multidisciplinary Performance of Poetry, Music, Dance, and Ikebana — Ryoichi Wago & Shota Gotō & ... Present 'The 15th Year of 'Inori' 2011–2026 'Poetry Gravel'

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Tsukuba Nova Hall, five leading artists from the fields of poetry, music, dance, ikebana, and photography will gather for a special performance titled 'The 15th Year of 'Inori' 2011–2026 'Poetry Gravel,'' expressing their thoughts for 'tomorrow’s future.'

The performance features Ryoichi Wago, a poet based in Fukushima City. From the sixth day after the earthquake, Wago began posting words composed during his evacuation life on social media. These writings, born from extreme conditions, were published as 'Poetry Gravel' (Tokuma Shoten), receiving widespread acclaim both in Japan and abroad. In 2017, it became the first Japanese work to win France’s 'Nunc Review Poetry Prize.' In this performance, Wago will recite his words not merely as records of the disaster, but as 'our words for living tomorrow,' reflecting on the 15 years that have passed.

Also joining is Shota Gotō, vocalist and guitarist of the rock band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, who has continued artistic expression while engaging with post-disaster society and communities. Having publicly expressed resonance with Wago’s words, this collaboration marks a significant moment. Through Gotō’s musical expression, the performance aims to offer audiences a personal entry point to embrace the 'memory' and 'prayer' of the disaster. Additionally, Tōru Iwashita’s improvisational dance, Kohamaru’s live ikebana, and photographs by Sadamu Saitō—documenting Fukushima since the disaster—will converge to create a stage where words, sound, body, flowers, and images intersect.

As an effort to connect personal memories to collective social memory, the event will also feature a public poetry reading. Poems submitted by the public on the theme of 'The 15th Year of Inori' will be shared, giving voice to both those who experienced the disaster and those born after it. The submission deadline is July 21, 2026 (results announced July 28). Entries can be submitted via the warming up art project special webpage.

Event Overview

Title: Ryoichi Wago & Shota Gotō & ... 'The 15th Year of 'Inori' 2011–2026 'Poetry Gravel''

Date & Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026 — Doors open 17:30 / Performance 18:00 ■ Venue: Tsukuba Nova Hall ■ Performers:

Ryoichi Wago (Poetry & Recitation)

Shota Gotō (Vocals & Guitar)

Tōru Iwashita (Dance)

Kohamaru (Live Ikebana)

Sadamu Saitō (Photography)

10 selected members of the public (poetry reading)

Program:

Poetry/Recitation, Acoustic Live, Session

Supported by: Ibaraki Prefectural Board of Education / Tsukuba City Board of Education / Tsukubamirai City Board of Education / Ibaraki Poets Association / Shichōsha

Ticket Prices: General: ¥4,000 / Students & Disabled: ¥3,000 / High school and under: ¥2,500

On Sale: Saturday, July 4, 2026

e+ (Eplus) / Nova Hall / warming up art project