#Setagaya #Kozuya Art Festival #RYON・RYON #studio WOO by R2

Kozuya Art Festival Vol.1: A Cultural Movement in Setagaya

On December 21, 2025, the quiet, elegant neighborhood of Komazawa in Setagaya witnessed an unforgettable display of energy and creativity—the first-ever Kozuya Art Festival. This event filled the newly opened Komazawa Park Quarter with rhythm, applause, and an atmosphere that seemed to breathe life into the very streets of the area.

The driving force behind this vibrant festival was RYON・RYON (Ryoko Nomura), the renowned choreographer known for her work with popular artists like Namie Amuro. Alongside the talented children from her dance studio, studio WOO by R2, RYON・RYON created not just a performance but a moment where expression became a part of the community's essence.

Purpose and Vision of the Festival

The main goals of the Kozuya Art Festival are crucial for fostering the local arts scene:

• - To create an open platform for artistic expression.
• - To provide a space for artists to connect on equal grounds.
• - To share impactful experiences that resonate with both children and adults alike.

According to RYON・RYON, although Komazawa is home to many artists, there were few venues for sharing and interaction. This realization propelled her to move beyond her studio, taking on multiple roles in the festival, from casting and choreography to event management and MC duties.

Festival Highlights

The festival featured a vibrant lineup of 20 performers. The makeshift stage transformed the space, with music, lights, and cheering turning the ambiance into something akin to a bustling live music venue. The standout performances from preschoolers to fifth graders of studio WOO by R2 captivated the adult audience, illustrating the festival’s vision of making art approachable and relatable.

Not just event-goers populated the audience; local passersby took notice, stopping in their tracks to join in the rhythm with smiles and applause. This communal experience perfectly captured the core philosophy of RYON・RYON and studio WOO by R2—bringing expression out from the realm of the extraordinary to the everyday.

Among the featured artists was special guest Meik, a notable solo performer and former member of the dance vocal group J☆Dee’Z, who made a powerful entrance that elevated the festival's energy. Her connection to RYON・RYON, as a former student, added depth to her participation. Meik emphasized the responsibility to pass on the foundation of expression to the next generation, resonating deeply with the festival's mission.

A Beautiful Moment of Connection

During a poignant moment in her powerful performance, Meik shared words of encouragement with the children who had learned under RYON・RYON’s guidance. Tears welled in both her eyes and those of RYON・RYON as she declared, “I stand here today thanks to RYON・RYON. Keep believing, and continue to work hard because this path leads to your future!” Such heartfelt words created a palpable connection, igniting excitement among the children as they subsequently joined her on stage, demonstrating that the future has truly begun.

The festival culminated in participants dancing together to the popular Black Biscuits song