ABOUT

The number of people who want to create and share their own circus works has been steadily increasing. However, the environment for creation and presentation in Japan is still developing. By utilizing the information and connections that each organization possesses, such as rehearsal spaces, creative know-how, funding, and performance opportunities, we can expand possibilities and improve artistic quality. We want to envision the future of contemporary circus in Japan, gather volunteers, and create horizontal connections. That is the Mirai Circus Network.

Mirai means “future” in Japanese. We chose this name because we want to accompany the future evolution and development of circus arts in Japan. By using alphabet notation while preserving the sound of the Japanese language, we hope that people from all over the world can pronounce it.

Goals and Outlook of the Network

The main objectives of this network are as follows:

1. “Visualizing” the current contemporary circus scene in Japan
2. Working together to find ways to provide more opportunities for Japanese artists to create and present their works, and to support them in areas where they are lacking.
3. Becoming a hub for international networks

A network is meaningful only if it carries out concrete projects. After creating the database as the first project, we would like to build a system for accepting artists from both Japan and abroad for residency programs, and organize sustainable and useful programs such as technical training and workshops hosted by the network.

Regular Projects (Provisional)

General Meeting at YPAM (once a year)

• Exchange of opinions and discussions between producers and artists
• Artists’ project presentations

Showcase (once a year)

• Holding showcase at the core members’ base once a year

Membership

MiCiNet will officially launch and start calling for new members in 2024.

The concept of membership is as follows, but the details will be discussed and determined by the workgroup in the future.

Core Members

A volunteer-based horizontal network of organizations and individuals who share the goal of creating an environment in Japan that cultivates and promotes contemporary circus, including those who manage facilities for circus training and creation, those who produce contemporary circus, and those who have a broad network that will be useful for the future development of contemporary circus in Japan.

Regular Members

Artists, freelance producers, technicians, and others who engage in contemporary circus activities, and who aim to evolve and deepen both their own work and that of the contemporary circus as a whole through their involvement with the network.

Supporters

The general public who wish and support the development of contemporary circus.

Sponsors

Workgroup Members

• Yoko Ono (After Cloudy Company)
• Yuko Okumura (koen planning)
• Atsumi Sakai (Circus Laboratory CouCou)
• Michiko Tanaka (Setouchi Circus Factory)
• Asami Yasumoto (Kansai Aerial)

Workgroup Secretariat

• Setouchi Circus Factory