#Japan #Tokyo #Hijinx #Meet Fred #SLOW CIRCUS

Hijinx’s First Visit to Japan: An Inclusive Theater Workshop

The renowned inclusive theater company, Hijinx, from Wales, is making its first visit to Japan in celebration of the 2025 Year of Wales and Japan. The event will highlight their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts, featuring a public workshop scheduled for September 28, 2025, at the Human Plaza located in Minato, Tokyo. This exciting cultural exchange event, supported by the Welsh Government, will be in collaboration with SLOW CIRCUS, a recognized NPO passionate about social circus arts.

Meet Fred: A Star of the Stage
Hijinx is celebrated for its inventive theatrical presentations that include performers with autism and learning disabilities. Their acclaimed production, Meet Fred, will have its Japan premiere during the Tottori Bird Theater Festival simultaneously occurring in Tottori Prefecture. Led by the company’s artistic director, Ben Pettitt-Wade, participants in the workshop will have a unique opportunity to explore his creative methods and experience first-hand the joy of spontaneous expression.

The workshop will also see participation from SLOW CIRCUS, well-known for its engaging performances spotlighting various disabilities, which gained attention during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Together, the members will guide attendees through physical expression exercises and theater games, emphasizing the importance of fearless self-expression and creativity.

A Growing Movement in Inclusive Arts
The workshop is set to take place at the Human Plaza, which has been proactive in organizing regular citizen engagement workshops led by SLOW CIRCUS since its inception. Since 2018, Minato has cultivated an environment where social circus practices contribute to health improvement, addressing diverse audiences, including parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

After the workshop, there will be a presentation introducing Hijinx’s initiatives followed by a Q&A session. This dialogue will be facilitated by Ryo Kurisu, the artistic director of SLOW CIRCUS, who served as a stage advisor for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. This session is designed to foster connections between individuals engaged in inclusive creative practices in both Japan and Wales.

Event Details

• - Date and Time: September 28, 2025, from 1:45 PM to 3:30 PM (workshop ends at 4:40 PM)
• - Location: Multipurpose Gymnasium, 6th floor, Human Plaza, 1-8-23 Shiba, Minato, Tokyo, 105-0014
• - Participation: Open to anyone aged between 18 and 70, regardless of physical ability, with a cap of 20 participants. Priority will be given to Minato residents, workers, and students.
• - Registration: Interested participants can apply through the official SLOW CIRCUS website, where health status may be assessed post-application. Sign language interpreters will be provided, and interested observers are welcome to join at the venue without prior registration.
• - Deadline for Registration: Applications must be submitted by September 18, 2025. Participants will be notified of their application status seven days prior to the event.

Contact Information
For inquiries, please reach out to SLOW CIRCUS at:

• - Email: [email protected]
• - Phone/Fax: 045-642-6132 (Weekdays, 10 AM - 5 PM; fax available 24/7)

The event is supported by the Kiss Port Foundation and funded by agencies such as the Arts Council of Wales and the British Council.

This workshop represents a significant opportunity for cultural exchange and learning, showcasing the innovative spirit of inclusive theater. With Hijinx’s visit, both countries can enrich their appreciation of diversity in the performing arts.