Experience the Supernatural World of Japanese Folk Traditions
Through Interactive, Motion Capture Projections Created by WOW
LOS ANGELES – JULY 16, 2019 – JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is pleased to present the world debut of “BAKERU: Transforming Spirits” – a complimentary interactive exhibition inviting visitors to step into the supernatural world of Japanese folk traditions from the northern region of Tohoku, Japan, through the use of motion capture technology – starting July 17 through October 6. Special Shishi-Odori (Deer Dance) performances by traditional dance groups from Japan will take place at the historic Academy Awards stairs at Hollywood & Highland to mark the opening of BAKERU on July 17 at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
The BAKERU exhibition is participatory where guests bakeru (transform) into projected characters wearing special masks and become a part of several festival scenes reimagined and created by WOW, a preeminent Japanese creative art and visual design studio. The creators hope to enhance the understanding of regional cultures, particularly those from Tohoku, which place strong emphasis on the transformative power of nature upon which people’s lives depend. Conceived and created after the devastation of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami – which accelerated depopulation and fragmentation of local communities, threatening the continuation of festival traditions – the BAKERU exhibition harnesses interactive digital technology to provide broader access to local culture to audiences beyond the region, including younger, digital-native generations.
The space also showcases connection between the long-lasting folk traditions and the fast advancing digital technology, between the northern region in Japan and the world, and between the everyday space and the space of festivities.
Related Programs with Live Performance
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles will host exhibition-related programs which complement the world debut of BAKERU: Transforming Spirits starting July 17.
Celebratory Live Deer Dance Performance
| Date: | July 17 |
| Time: | 2:00 p.m.– 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Venue: | Hollywood & Highland, Academy Awards Stairs area |
| Fee: | Complimentary |
| More info about Deer Dance Performance |
Deer Dance | Fantastic Folk Traditions from Japan
| Date: | July 17 |
| Time: | 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
| Venue: | JAPAN HOUSE Salon, Level 5 |
| Fee: | Complimentary |
| More info about Japan's Folk Traditions |
BAKERU Mask Making Workshop
| Date: | Friday, Saturday, Sunday from July 26 – September 15 |
| Time: | 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
| Venue: | JAPAN HOUSE Sub-Gallery, Level 2 |
| Fee: | $5 |
| More info about BAKERU Workshop |
BAKERU: Transforming Spirits is made possible in collaboration with the following:
Presented and organized by JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles. Sponsored by ANA (All Nippon Airways) and Panasonic. In cooperation with Gyouzanryu Maikawa Shishiodori, Tokyo Shishiodori, Oga City, Baba no Taue Odori Preservation Society, FabLab Sendai FLAT, Fukunaga Print Co., Ltd., cap LLC. and Ito Yutaka. Art direction by WOW. Curatorial support provided by tateito-yokoito LLC. and Tohoku Standard. Special thanks to Hollywood & Highland.
ABOUT JAPAN HOUSE
JAPAN HOUSE is an innovative, worldwide project with three hubs, London, Los Angeles and Sao Paulo, conceived by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It seeks to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan in the international community. JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles occupies two floors at Hollywood & Highland. The 2nd floor features a gallery space and the 5th floor hosts a Japanese restaurant, relaxing library, and event venue, along with spectacular views of Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles. JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles offers a place of new discovery that transcends the physical and conceptual boundaries creating experiences that reflect the best of Japan through its spaces and diverse programs.
Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Website: www.japanhousela.com
ABOUT WOW
WOW is a creative studio innovating experiences in art and design. Based in Tokyo, Sendai, London and San Francisco, WOW is involved in a wide field of design work, including advertising and commercial works, installations for exhibition spaces, and user interface designs for prominent brands. The studio’s practice is based on a vision to bring positive change to society, and its original artwork and products have been exhibited both in Japan and internationally. WOW is passionate about exploring the tremendous possibilities of visual design; searching for solutions that are useful for society while revealing something true and profound. BAKERU: Transforming Spirits