We regret to announce two deeply unfortunate pieces of news.

First, Mr. Iku Ohtani, known as Akadama, who was directing Part One: Mi-Mi-Bi, passed away suddenly on the 27th due to heart failure.

As the Chairman of DANCE BOX, he dedicated many years to promoting the arts, was beloved by numerous artists, and achieved many accomplishments.

Though unfinished, we will present the work he was passionately creating for this long-awaited return to directing as his final posthumous piece.

Additionally, Monique, the wheelchair dancer scheduled to perform in the second part, a collaborative work by Suzuki Yukio and Stopgap, has suffered an unexpected injury and will be unable to come to Japan.

She is currently hospitalized and awaiting recovery. The work will be performed reflecting her absence.

It makes us keenly aware that our bodies—vessels housing the sublime human spirit and strong will—are so fragile and precarious.

Yet precisely because of this, our bodies and hearts strive desperately to live each fleeting moment.

We wish to send off Mr. Ohtani with this performance as a bonfire of irreplaceable life’s life’s sparkle.

“Beyond!” Producer Junko Hanamitsu

Just before creation began, Monique—one of this production’s performers who always tackled our previous work with bright, beaming smiles—suffered an injury. As she was someone who had been eagerly anticipating this creation and the Japan tour, I am deeply disappointed that she must withdraw from the main production.

During creation and the showing in the UK, the steadfast dancers of Stopgap Dance Company supported my sinking spirits with their magnificent bodies and dance. I am deeply grateful.

In Kobe, I wish to present the work created with them exactly as it is, with Monique absent. This experience made me keenly aware that their bodies are always pushed to the absolute limit, and that they confront expression head-on with those bodies. At the same time, I am profoundly moved by the fact that their presence is utterly unique and overflowing with energy.

We hope you will witness our decision, our commitment to “PEACE AND QUIET,” and our respect for all dancers at DANCE BOX Kobe.

Yukio Suzuki x Stopgap Dance Company International Co-Production

Director Yukio Suzuki