NPO Corporation Invisible (based in Tomioka, Fukushima Prefecture), in collaboration with shadow puppeteer and musician Kohey Kawamura, his music unit "Taikuhjikang," and "Project FUKUSHIMA!" born in Fukushima, will host Tamayura no Bon, a participatory performance combining shadow puppetry and music, on February 15, 2026 (Sunday) at Yorunomori Park in Futaba District, Fukushima Prefecture.
In this project, participants create their own shadows and walk through the night forest guided by the sounds they produce—a collectively created "Another Obon." On a winter night enveloped in silence and darkness, this special experience opens a time to confront memories etched into the land and presences that cannot be seen. Admission is free and open to everyone.
Creating Shadows, Guided by Sounds, Walking Through the Night Forest
On a winter night in Tomioka's Yorunomori, "Another Obon" begins.
"Tamayura" refers to the fleeting moment when a spirit momentarily appears. Through the forms of wind-blown fabric and shadows, this project attempts to summon back to this place unseen presences—such as memories and life within the soil removed through decontamination—and gently welcome back the lost memories of the land.
On the day of the event, participants will walk through the Yorunomori district, projecting shadow puppets onto buildings and streets, guided by fantastical performances and songs by "Taikuhjikang," the music unit led by Kawamura, along with shadow puppetry by shadow puppeteer and musician Kohey Kawamura. Additionally, flags from Project FUKUSHIMA! will be installed throughout Yorunomori, serving as banners to welcome unseen presences and vividly coloring the winter night forest.
In profound silence that transcends the boundaries between human and non-human, living and absent, participants will receive the memories of the land through their bodies.
Tamayura no Bon is a one-night-only endeavor that rises uniquely from this place called Tomioka. We invite you to participate.
Event Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Tamayura no Bon |
| Date & Time | February 15, 2026 (Sunday) 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM |
| Venue | Yorunomori Park (2-14-1 Yorunomori-kita, Tomioka Town, Futaba District, Fukushima Prefecture 979-1161) |
| Admission | Free |
| Content | Participatory performance walking through Yorunomori district with shadow puppetry and music |
| Organizer | NPO Corporation Invisible ※This project is implemented with subsidy adoption from the "Video and Arts/Culture-related Relationship Population Creation Project (HAMA CONNECTED)" under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "Fukushima Hamadori Video/Arts and Culture Project." |
Participating Artists
Kohey Kawamura (Shadow Puppeteer/Musician)
Photo: Tetsuya Kogure
A shadow puppeteer who reinterprets traditional Balinese shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit) in a contemporary context and continues to explore new forms of performing arts. He presents shadow puppetry and music performances around the world. He conducts fieldwork and workshops throughout Japan, creating shadow puppet works based on the memories of the land. His activities also extend broadly to paper-cutting, murals, video production, and providing music for films and commercials. He leads the music unit "Taikuhjikang" using gamelan.
https://www.kawamurakoheysai.com/
Taikuhjikang
Photo: hayato watanabe
A unique ensemble led by rare shadow puppeteer/musician Kohey Kawamura, reinterpreting the mystical southern music "gamelan" in a contemporary context and opening new musical horizons. With the concept of "folk songs from an imaginary island," their performances fusing exotic sounds where gamelan and steel pans resonate together with contemporary shadow puppetry have received enthusiastic support not only in Japan but around the world. Having performed at Fuji Rock Festival for two consecutive years (2024/2025), their ever-evolving celebration continues to captivate audiences.
Performing Members: Kohey Kawamura/HAMA/GO ARAI/Junko Sato/AYA/Tonchi/Yudai Suzuki/Reisaburo Adachi
https://www.taikuhjikang.info/
Project FUKUSHIMA!
Photo: Osamu Kikuchi
Formed by volunteers inside and outside Fukushima Prefecture with the purpose of communicating Fukushima's present and future to the world through art after the Great East Japan Earthquake (original representatives were musician Otomo Yoshihide, Michiro Endo, and poet Ryoichi Wagou). Since August 15, 2011, they have held "Festival FUKUSHIMA!" annually in Fukushima City. From 2013, it took the form of "Noryou! Bon Odori" (Cool! Bon Dance), dancing original bon dance to live music. Invited to art projects and festivals domestically and internationally, they spread colorful "ofuroshiki" (large furoshiki cloths sewn from various fabrics) and create festival spaces in various locations.
Related Event
Let's Create Creatures That May Have Lived / May Still Live in This Town!
A workshop to create shadow puppet figures to be used in the performance on the day, held together with Kawamura. Anyone from children to adults can participate regardless of production experience. Please join us.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | February 11, 2026 (Wednesday, National Holiday) 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM |
| Venue | Total Support Center Tomioka (36 Hongo Otsuka, Tomioka Town, Futaba District, Fukushima Prefecture 979-1151) |
| Admission | Free |
| Capacity | 15 people |
| Registration | Reservation Form |
