STRANGE SEED SHIZUOKA
in Shizuoka city
Shizuoka is located between Tokyo and Osaka. Shizuoka prefecture has Mt.Fuji.
There are about 4 million people living in Shizuoka prefecture. And 700 thousand people are living in Shizuoka City.
STRANGE SEED SHIZUOKA have been held since 2016 in Shizuoka.
There are some venues and they are all in 20 minutes walking distance.
In the middle, we have Sumpu Castle, a historical building. And its park is popular among the locals.
to create street theater
Strange Seed Shizuoka marks its 10th anniversary. We have seen visitors from across Japan and abroad, and more past participants have been invited to perform at overseas festivals.
As a unique festival unseen anywhere else in Japan, Strange Seed Shizuoka has closely worked with artists and performers who take on challenges in the world of street theatre.
From Shizuoka to the world, it is our duty to introduce an international audience to performances further enhanced by the participating artists.
to make theatre open to everyone
Statistics show that only 10% of Japanese people go to theatre.
We believe that there should be no barriers between theatre and people. Everyone should be able to enjoy theatre.
Our future art is for children, elderly people, people with disability, people who do not have access to information and audience do not have to be rich. Theatre is for everyone.
What we need in Japan is further diversity. It is very important that politicians, artists and citizens work together
History
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- 2016
- 3days/14artists
- spectators:7,190
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- 2017
- 3days/14artists
- spectators:10,737
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- 2018
- 4days/16artists
- spectators:9,925
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- 2019
- 4days/26artists(2overseas)
- spectators:17,327
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- 2020
- 2days/27artists
(13 in Shizuoka/14 Online) - spectators:11,572
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- 2021
- 4days/22artists
- spectators:13,651
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- 2022
- 3days/19artists
- spectators:10,023
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- 2023
- 3days/12artists(1oversea)
- spectators:23,865
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- 2024
- 3days/12artists(1oversea)
- spectators:13,752
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- 2025
- 3days/22artists(1oversea)
- spectators:40,076
Performance area/venue
PARK Area
Sumpu Castle Park
With the backdrop of vivid, fresh green leaves and stone walls, everyone can watch performances and relax like going on a picnic.
CITY Area
Aoba Symbol Road and other places in the city
Enjoy strolling and watching parade performances in the pedestrian-only streets.
Festival Director
Worry KINOSHITA
Born in 1971, Worry KINOSHITA began his theatre career as a student at Kobe University, where he founded the Gekidan Sekai Ichidan company (now named Sunday). He is known for his skills in blending music and images into his work.Kinoshita founded the non-verbal performance company THE ORIGINAL TEMPO, with which he has garnered a widefan base, especially overseas. At the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe, for instance, the company's Shut Up, Play! got a five-star review, and it has been invited to more than ten international theatre festivals. In addition, Kinoshita has also collaborated as a director with South Korean and Slovenian theatre companies. His recent work includes the direction of the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics 2020; the plays Shukushuku to Unshin; Bakuman; and Haikyuu!!, a new "hyper projection" style theatre.
Project Information
You can download the project informations for the work co-produced at Strange Seed Shizuoka from the link below.
World Street Theater Network
Strange Seed Shizuoka promotes the development of exceptional street theater in Japan and its international recognition by cultivating networks with overseas festivals, street theater artists, producers, associated organizations, and supporters.
Beyond the festival period, these efforts are sustained throughout the year through ongoing information exchange and facilitating artist invitations.
Main Initiatives (Programs)
- Artist exchange (inviting and sending artists, presenting works, and facilitating matchmaking of artists with events, professionals, organizations)
- Inviting and hosting festival directors and professionals working on cultural initiatives
- Hosting international network meetings
- Hosting local study tours to deepen the understanding of Shizuoka City
- International co-production of street theater works, including artist-in-residence-based creations
- Overseas promotion and outreach by presenting Japanese street theater works internationally
Main Networking Outcomes in FY2025 (April 2025 to March 2026)
1) Ansan, Korea | Ansan Street Arts Market
Organized by the Ansan Cultural Foundation, this marketing project promotes the distribution of street arts (거리예술) and fosters exchange among street artists and festival professionals. It serves as a key hub for presenting works, sharing information and ideas, and building networks for street art professionals and artists.
- Details of exchange:
- We developed connections with artists and producers in Korea, as well as with overseas festival organizers.
2) Chalon-sur-Saône, France | CHALON DANS LA RUE
One of the internationally significant festivals of art in public space (street arts and open-air theater) held every July. Its programs include the official program “Sélection IN,” the open call-based program “Sélection OFF,” and “L’Aube de la creation,” a program that presents and supports works and projects in progress.
(For example, Sélection IN features about 20 companies; Sélection OFF selects and brings together approximately 100 companies and collectives; and L’Aube de la creation supports about 10 projects.)
- Details of exchange:
- We participated in Asia-related sessions while exchanging ideas and building networks with festival organizers, staff members, and outdoor festival professionals from across Europe.
3) Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom | Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF)
One of the leading outdoor arts and street theater festivals in the United Kingdom. The 2025 edition took place from Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3.
- Details of exchange:
- We engaged in networking with the festival’s organizers, as well as with other festival directors, staff members, and sector professionals across the U.K.
4) Busan, Korea ｜ Busan Performing Arts Festival (B.P.A.F)
A performing arts festival held each September in Geumjeong District, Busan Metropolitan City, Korea, developed through engagement between citizens and the arts. In 2025, the festival took place from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28. It included international exchange opportunities and programs such as an art market.
Strange Seed Shizuoka deepened its relationship with the festival through reciprocal visits in FY2024. Our collaboration took concrete form in FY2025, including arrangements for artists who had performed at Strange Seed Shizuoka to participate in the festival.
- Participating artists:
- Kanae Asakawa and Playhouse ROCKAKU NUT Betweens Party
Contact
STRANGESEED SHIZUOKA office
令和7年度文化芸術創造拠点形成事業