#Japan #Setagaya #Room Kids #To Route Directory #modern circus

Challenging Social Divisions through Modern Circus

Room Kids, a contemporary circus company, will showcase their new creation, To Route Directory, from August 22 to 24, 2025, at Theatre Tram in Setagaya, Tokyo. This innovative work addresses the growing division prevalent in our social landscape, particularly in the era of social media, by highlighting continuity through a unique blend of physical performance, media art, and juggling.

Artistry that Transcends Boundaries

In To Route Directory, the act of juggling is redefined as more than mere skill; it becomes a dynamic form of play that interrogates the division fueled by societal perspectives. By merging juggling with visual elements—like retro objects such as fans and cameras—the performance calls into question the tendency to separate viewpoints in today’s fast-paced media landscape. Room Kids uses the circus art form as a space to reexamine the boundaries between the concrete and the abstract, the real and the digital, as well as the emotional and data-driven.

Understanding Modern Circus

When most people think of circus, they often envision grand tents and superhuman feats. However, modern circus, as practiced by Room Kids and influenced by its European roots, focuses on utilizing acrobatics and juggling as tools for emotional and philosophical expression. Rather than simply displaying skills, they aim to incorporate elements of performing arts, contemporary art, and physical expression into a new genre of stage performance.

Thematic Exploration: Beyond Binary Opposition

The lead performer, Akihito Okamoto, employs high-level juggling props, such as balls and rings, alongside everyday objects. This juxtaposition is critical, as it blurs the lines between physical reality and abstract illusion, prompting audiences to engage with questions about the nature of existence: What is real? What is illusion? Where do we draw the line?

A Decade of Achievement and New Challenges

To Route Directory also marks Room Kids’ 10th anniversary, representing the culmination of a decade of work. With past accolades, including awards from the Edinburgh Fringe, this production benefits from support provided by the Setagaya Public Theatre. The scale of the performance marks a significant leap for the company, undertaking challenges in stage design funding through successful crowdfunding, achieving 170% of their goal, with support still growing.

Connecting Modern Circus to Society

Room Kids is also making strides to connect with new audience segments. With a grant from the Arts Council Tokyo for arts appreciation support, the company is implementing a system involving medical professionals and is currently organizing auditory and visual assistance options. To ensure accessibility for those unfamiliar with modern circus, they are offering beginner support in the theatre and planning post-show events directed at newcomers.

This commitment reflects the overarching themes of the production: providing experiences of viewing for everyone.

Campaign for Audience Voices

On July 11, a new campaign commenced across social media, encouraging audience feedback on past Room Kids performances. Comments such as “I feel nostalgia in the light used,” and “It teaches subtle dialogues with objects we often overlook,” reflect a range of reactions aimed at connecting with those who may not yet have attended a performance. By sharing genuine audience sentiments, they're aiming to communicate the intrinsic value of the work.

Performance Details
Room Kids Presents: To Route Directory
Dates: August 22-24, 2025
Venue: Theatre Tram, 4-1-1 Taishido, Setagaya, Tokyo
Tickets: Available from May 18, 2025, here

Staff and Performers

Featuring: Akihito Okamoto, Masahiro Sekiya, Takamasa Yamada
Stage Director: Mari Yoshiyama
Lighting: Go Ueda
Sound: Gaku Nakahara
Production: Yusuke Ide
Production Advisor: Yuriko Kuromi
Recording Video: Nexus
Photography: Kasumi Kato
Promotion Art: Yoshika Ka

Supported by: MAP RENTAL, Nexus, Juggling Shop Naranja, Diabolo Association Japan, PM Juggling, Jugmap
Collaborators: Circus Laboratory CouCou, All Japan Plate Spinning Association
Co-organized by: Setagaya Cultural Foundation, Setagaya Public Theatre
Supported by: Setagaya Ward, Circus Academia

Visual and Video Material: Past performance footage available
Magnetic Sea: Watch Here
Tranquilizer: Watch Here
Image materials available upon request.

Media Inquiries:
Press Contact: Masayuki Furuya
Email: [email protected]
Interviews and photography requests can also be made through the above email.
Visit Room Kids Official Website for more information: Room Kids
Follow Room Kids on Social Media: Twitter
Purchase Tickets: Setagaya Public Theatre