Noboru Suganuma
Playwright and Director


“One day I heard Naomi Utamakura’s compositions ‘Manyoshu Spelled with Music’. It was exactly at the moment, I felt that I want to write an opera about Japanese spirit and also, I was wondering if the wisdom and ideas of Jomon period of Japanese history have been still silently handed over till now. Shortly after, in 2002, I wrote my first scenario for Japanese Opera ‘Princess Nukata’ and it was performed in the same year. After that, we added some new elements, visual effects etc. I have written many operas since then.”

Naomi Utamakura
Producer and Composer


“It happened when I was concentrated mainly on Western music. One day I realized that I am missing something important. Then I discovered Manyoshu poetry for myself. I felt that this is the real background of Japanese people. I made my series ‘Manyoshu Spelled With Music’ in which I tried to combine Japanese ancient spiritual forces with contemporary times. After meeting with Mr. Suganuma, I created a new genre of stage performance which I called Wakageki. Music and Wakageki. I want to continue renewing Japanese culture and step into the future with our tradition.”