#Japan #Aomori #Asamushi Onsen #Seiko Ito #Nancy Seki

Celebrating Music and Culture at the Asamushi Onsen Festival

In a picturesque hot spring town known as "Aomori's hidden retreat," the inaugural Asamushi Onsen Festival is set to take place, combining music, discussions, and local delicacies. This festival promises a unique experience featuring a variety of artists including Seiko Ito, a multifaceted creator renowned for his innovative ideas, along with a lineup of special guests that will delight attendees.

Located in Asamushi Onsen, often referred to as "the Atami of Tohoku," this charming destination has been loved by remarkable figures such as the famous woodblock print artist, Shiko Munakata, and the celebrated author, Osamu Dazai. It is also the final resting place of Nancy Seki, a notable columnist and television critic, whose impact on Japanese pop culture remains profound. The festival celebrates not only the art and music that characterize the area but also serves as a homage to Seki's legacy.

The festival's inception traces back to a conversation between Seiko Ito and Nancy Seki, where they imagined such an event could happen. Scheduled for May 17-18, 2025, the festival will provide exclusive access to a variety of engaging programs, including live performances, discussions, and art exhibitions, all dedicated to the late Nancy Seki.

Special Guests and Programs

The festival will host a lineup of talents, including:

• - Seiko Ito
• - Miura Jun
• - NazChris
• - Chihaki Mayumura
• - Hiroshi Machiyama
• - Mineko Nomachi
• - Goro Ito
• - Tatsuo Sunaga
• - Shigeichi Aida
• - Akira Miyashita
• - Sonia
• - JINTOKU
• - NUU

Highlights of the Festival Programs

The central venue will be the Nanbuya Kaisenkaku, featuring various ticketed programs focused on live talks and performances:

• - A special live recording of the radio show "Gokandan!" with Seiko Ito and Miura Jun.
• - An engaging discussion titled "Rediscovering Nancy Seki" featuring a special guest, Seiko Ito, and Hiroshi Machiyama.
• - A stunning performance by Chihaki Mayumura.
• - The finale of a comprehensive tour titled "All Aomori Tour" with Goro Ito and Mineko Nomachi.

At the Tsubaki-kan venue, there will be a dedicated exhibition featuring Nancy Seki's unique creations, which includes her original rubber stamps, her belongings such as glasses, and tools she used in her work. The following morning, a memorial service will be held at her resting place, further emphasizing the festival’s connection to her legacy.

In addition to the ticketed events, free areas will be available in various venues, including:

• - Club Asamushi at Asa Port, where local DJs will keep the vibe alive from 1 PM to 10 PM, culminating in a night jazz performance by Tatsuo Sunaga and NazChris.
• - The Asamushi Marche featuring around 40 popular eateries from Kamakura and Tokyo, showcasing delicious specialties for festival-goers to enjoy.

Details and Ticketing

With a limited number of tickets available (only 400), attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early to experience what promises to be a memorable event without any online broadcasting. Tickets are priced at 12,000 yen for the paid programs and offer free-access zones for those wishing to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

This festival is a celebration of music, culture, and the memories of Nancy Seki while bringing creators and fans together for a unique experience in the beautiful surroundings of Asamushi Onsen.

For inquiries, please reach out to the Asamushi Festival Executive Committee at fesinfo@mospa.asamushi.com.