On the evening of the 18th, I attended a performance by the Aomori University Men's Rhythmic Gymnastics Club. The stage was the Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium. A rhythmic gymnastics mat was laid out in the center of the arena, and 27 members performed various acrobatics. The audience of over 2,500 people erupted in applause and sighs of admiration as the team's movements intertwined with the lighting and music.
The event was sponsored by the Issey Miyake Group. The new brand, HOMME PLISSE ISSEY MIYAKE, showcased its first men's pleated garments here. The colorful sarouel pants, which did not hinder the intense movements of the toned members, were impressive.
The venue was likened to a "giant body of water," and the choreography was by Daniel Ezralow, famous for directing Spider-Man on Broadway and choreographing Gap advertisements. He has been involved with Issey Miyake's performances since the 1990s. The opening act featured members manipulating a large piece of fabric covering the entire arena, creating various shapes and movements. Issey Miyake has always focused on creating garments from a single piece of fabric, making this a truly fitting performance for the brand. The billowing fabric onstage resembled the rippling surface of water. After the powerful opening, the members freely flew around the arena like fish, shrimp, and dolphins, manipulating hoops, batons, and ropes. The most striking features were the exquisite lighting that illuminated the performers' movements and the motion graphics projected onto the arena floor in sync with their movements. Lighting designer Haruki Kaito was in charge of the lighting, and the graphics were designed by web designer Yugo Nakamura. The performance also evoked a student-like atmosphere, with paint stains decorating the performers' feet and text displaying team cheers, such as "ganba" (good luck!). At the end of the performance, the athletes removed their costumes and left the arena. The poetic expression of the exploration of body movement and form, and the intense movements of HOMME PLISSE ISSEY MIYAKE's garments, left a lasting impression. In addition to the debut of men's pleats, this event also served as a way to support Tohoku after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Since the disaster, 21_21 Design Site in Roppongi, where Issei serves as one of the directors, has also held an exhibition focusing on Tohoku's craftsmanship. This time, the event showcased men's rhythmic gymnastics, a sport that originated in Japan and is nurtured in Tohoku, yet remains relatively unknown. The Aomori University Rhythmic Gymnastics Club is a top-class team, having won the All Japan Championships in 2012 for the fourth consecutive year and their ninth title. The flawless, hour-long spectacle was a masterpiece. Issei's sense of how to present the garments and his ability to promote the brand by involving various actors were equally impressive.
