Shoji Kojima Flamenco 2025
Flamenconauta

Navegante = navigator

The origins of flamenco are not so ancient. Yet the creative spirit accumulated by its forebears in its undercurrents has formed into boundless richness, shaping its present. The passion of historical figures who built the rise of modern flamenco has transmitted its mystery and richness to today. Vicente Esquedero, La Argentina, Antonio Luis Soler, Antonio Gades... and now.

――Now――We who live in the present have absorbed and expressed flamenco using every ounce of our knowledge. Flamenco is such an enchanting art form that even Diaghilev, the impresario immortalized in dance history, included it in his repertoire.

Meanwhile, back in 1974, when I was dancing in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a newspaper reported: “Flamenco's internationalization has begun through Shoji Kojima.” Looking around the world, one sees the boundless spread of flamenco. No matter which country I dance in, I encounter passionate flamenco fans.

The work ‘Flamenconauta’ began with our performance at the Jerez Flamenco Festival in 2018. The experience within that work transcended conventional notions of flamenco and signaled a major turning point. It remains etched in my memory how people captivated by flamenco from around the world gathered and, through close collaboration, created an artistic work. ‘It was a moment when we shared world peace and love through art.’

For this performance, we have invited members from that time and also requested participation from the next generation of artists active in Japan. We are moving towards creating this stage, praying that the harmony of the world and the harmony of flamenco will lead to peace.

Shoji Kojima