According to the plans announced in 2023, a large mixed-use development was scheduled for completion in 2027 on the site of the Tokyu department store’s flagship location, which closed at the end of January that year. The proposed building would have 36 storeys, with a hotel from The House Collective, Swire Hotels’ contemporary luxury brand, occupying its middle floors. Beni-sensei took part in “Encounters Across Cultures 2023”, a Swire Hotels initiative that combined an advertising campaign with an art programme.
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Five Dance Traditions Meet
The participants were noh master Reijiro Tsumura (津村禮次郎), a collectively recognised holder of Japan’s Important Intangible Cultural Property in noh; ballet dancer Hana Sakai, a recipient of the Medal of Honour with Purple Ribbon; French contemporary dancer Gildas Lemonnier, who works in New York; hip hop dancer 山本恭華, who had previously performed alongside Beni-sensei on a project for Red Bull; and Beni-sensei himself. These five artists, each with different ages, nationalities and disciplines, came together to film at the Tokyu department store, which had closed in 2023 after 55 years of history.
The choreography was by 野上, a choreographer with Hong Kong Ballet, and the art direction was by Patsy, who came from London. This was an international project, with English serving as the main working language. Three days of rehearsals were followed by two full days of filming. Watching these accomplished professionals create a work together was simply wonderful. We believe the video of “Encounters Across Cultures 2023” conveys the quality of their work without the need for many more words.
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The Happo-en Performance
A party was also held at Happo-en, combining a press presentation with a celebration of the beginning of this new chapter in the hotel project. It was a wonderful evening: against a backdrop of illuminated cherry blossoms in full bloom, symbolising renewal and rebirth, guests enjoyed a dance performance that crossed the boundaries between disciplines, dishes newly devised by a Michelin-starred chef and cocktails inspired by Chinese tea. When the five artists, including Beni-sensei, performed, such a large crowd gathered that it became difficult to see the performance.