AMICI

In 2020, our ballet company decided to launch with a burning passion to strive for the pinnacle of artistic achievement.

"What is comprehensive art?" We know that it is a never-ending journey without answers, but we hope that we can empathize with all of you who are connected by a love of art, sharing in your role in seamlessly connecting the will of our predecessors, passed down through the generations, to the next generation, and sharing the meaning of our vibrant existence here and now, stirring up great joy, sadness, anger and other emotions.

On the other hand, in Japan, where there is little public support for artistic activities, it is extremely difficult to maintain and sustain high-quality theatrical productions.

Meanwhile, the number of for-profit competitions targeting children is steadily increasing.

Children who have few opportunities to see high-quality, artistic performances may mistakenly believe that ballet is a competition culture.

Ballet should be recognized as an art, not a competitive sport where skills and points are competed for. There is no other country in the world that has as little interest in artistic activities as Japan.

There are so few places in Japan where dancers who have grown up in ballet studios can show their skills. For those involved in ballet in Japan, the current state of the industry has caused many years of worry and lamentation.

There are few opportunities to work as a professional dancer, and it is especially difficult for female dancers to make a living. As a result, many of the talented dancers who have been nurtured end up going overseas, or giving up their dancing careers without ever being able to pursue a professional career.

In order to question the state of art and culture in this country,

From 2021, the Nishioka-Fukutani Ballet Company (NFBC) will be based on the motto of "Friends Connected by a Love of Art."

As part of "Amici con NFBC," we are now looking for people who will support the ballet company's artistic activities and the advancement of arts and culture in the country.

We ask for your understanding in the current state of ballet performing arts and your continued support so that we can maintain, continue and develop our theatrical creative activities.

Representative of the Nishioka-Fukutani Ballet Company

Yoko Fukutani and Kengo Nishioka