EXPO PLL Talks
EXPO PLL Talks
<Archive video released>
KOHASHI Kenji takes the stage at EXPO PLL Talks
"Art & Impact: Thinking about the Post-EXPO World with Innovators" vol.15
This year marks the 15th time the event has been held, and we welcomed as our guest Mr. KOHASHI Kenji (CEO/Creative Director of The Human Miracle Co., Ltd.), who is the event planning producer for the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Together with Mr. Kohashi, who has an unusual career history having switched from acting to becoming an event producer, we explored the transition of his career and the "life-changing power" of events.
You can watch the event on the official YouTube channel.
KOHASHI Kenji talks about "Designing awareness for the World Expo"
1. The story of his transformation from actor to producer
Q. What made you decide to go from being an actor to being a producer?
Actually, neither I wanted to be an actor nor a producer. I entered the entertainment industry when I was 8 years old, mistakenly thinking that I wanted to watch my favorite TV show and applying. But the longer I worked as an actor, the more I became trapped in the idea that I had to be a certain way. I felt more and more pain in my heart, and at one point I felt like I had reached my limit, so I took a break from acting at the age of 27. That's when I started traveling the world and taking time to reexamine myself.And in the latter half of my acting career, I felt like I was dead while still alive. On the surface, I was glamorous, but deep inside, I felt like I wasn't myself, like an insensitive robot. That's why the decision to quit acting and go out into the world was both scary and hopeful. That experience is the source of my values and creativity today. Traveling was the first time I faced myself and had the time to question what I really wanted to do and how I wanted to live. I don't think I would be who I am today without that experience.
2. Wandering the world and changing values
Q. How did your experience traveling the world influence your subsequent activities?
My experience in Nepal was a big one. I met a young man my age there, and I was shocked to see him living his life to the fullest in order to protect his family. I was trapped in the past and the future and not living in the present. I cried with regret and shame. That experience was a major turning point for me, as it made me realize the importance of "living in the present."Also, traveling the world and coming into contact with diverse cultures, values, and people's lifestyles was a great learning experience for me. What is wealth? What is happiness? There are many things in the world that cannot be measured by material wealth. This feeling has had a major influence on my later event production. Traveling was emotional rehabilitation for me, and a time to rediscover myself. Furthermore, during my travels, I learned the importance of being true to my own intuition and emotions. This is also an important attitude to embrace meeting people and new experiences, and it is still relevant to my current way of life. Traveling the world has cultivated the ability to accept the reality in front of me as it is, and think about what to learn from it and how to act. This has continued to have a major influence on my subsequent creative activities and production.
3. The origins and challenges of event production
Q. What are your origins as an event producer?
When I returned to Japan, I started by trying to heal myself. Then, on my 30th birthday, I planned an event to express my gratitude to the people who came, not for myself. I had no know-how or experience, but with the support of my friends, I created that event, and that was the starting point of my producing career. From there, I gradually gained experience.For this first event, I thought long and hard about how I could make the people who came enjoy themselves and be moved. The troubles and anxieties that arose during the preparation process, as well as working together with my colleagues, were all valuable learning experiences for me. Eventually, the joy of creating an environment changed into the core of what I wanted to do. I realized that event production is about making people happy, expressing yourself, and connecting with society. It was because of that experience that I decided to make a career out of "creating opportunities to change people's lives."
4. From festivals and brand events to ULTRA JAPAN
Q. How did you launch ULTRA JAPAN?
A. As I created events, I received more requests from companies, and I began directing brand events. Meanwhile, I was impressed by the Ultra Music Festival I experienced in the US, and I began to dream of holding it in Japan. Through a chance encounter, the discussion of holding it in Japan progressed, and I ended up participating as a creative director. I strongly believed that music and festivals can change people's lives.The launch of ULTRA JAPAN was an unprecedented challenge in Japan at the time. Legal issues, consideration for local residents, finding sponsors, everything was unknown. But I believed in the potential of festivals. Through the common language of music, people can connect and encounter new emotions and values. I wanted to create such a place in Japan. That passion involved many people and grew into a big festival. Challenges always involve risk, but I believe that new value cannot be created without challenges.
5. Thoughts on the Paralympics and the World Expo
Q. What was your experience like at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics?
A. I served as the show director for the Paralympics closing ceremony, and it was a truly thrilling experience to see how much we could express within the limited constraints. The Osaka-Kansai Expo is an extension of that challenge. I think my role as an event planning producer is to use the stage of the Expo to provide an opportunity for many people to "awaken" something new.Diversity and coexistence were major themes at the Paralympics. That experience gave me a new perspective. What is a society where people can live true to themselves? That question continues at the World Expo. The World Expo is a stage where people from all over the world gather. In that setting, I believe it is my mission to convey Japan's culture of "connecting" and spirit of accepting diversity, and to create a new future together. Events may seem fleeting, but I believe the messages and emotions behind them remain deep within people and have the power to inspire action for the future.
6. Thoughts on the future society and individual potential depicted by the Expo
Q. What do you want to achieve at the Expo, and what do you envision for the future beyond that?
The Expo is not a goal, but a great "opportunity." I hope that it will be an opportunity for participants to discover their own potential and new worlds. Just like festivals and festivals, encounters and realizations change people, change their behavior, and change the future. Creating that chain is the biggest vision I aim for with this Expo. I hope that by taking advantage of Japan's culture of "connecting," the world can move toward a more harmonious and diverse society of the future.The Expo will be a catalyst for revitalizing the whole of Japan, encouraging people to turn their attention to their local communities and nature, and connecting with the world. I hope that each and every one of us can envision such a future. I intend to continue taking on challenges, utilizing my experiences to date. Life is something you create for yourself. I sincerely hope that the Expo will be a step in that direction. Creating a space where people can meet, resonate with each other, and be inspired to take action. I strongly feel that this is my mission as a producer.
*The contents of this article are based on excerpts and summaries from the video. There may be some differences in expression and nuance, so we recommend watching the full video to confirm accurate information.
Event Overview
Date and time: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Venue: Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd. Head Office Brillia Lounge
Guest: KOHASHI Kenji (Event Planning Producer for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, CEO and Creative Director of The Human Miracle Co., Ltd.)
Moderator: SUZUKI Daisuke (CEO of ARTLOGUE Inc., General Producer of Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival)
Organized by: 2025 Japan World Exposition Association, Osaka Kansai International Arts Festival Executive Committee (Artlogue Inc.)
Profile
KOHASHI Kenji
Osaka Kansai Expo Event Planning Producer
CEO and Creative Director of The Human Miracle Inc.
Born in Tokyo in 1979. He made his debut as an actor in 1988 and appeared in many popular dramas. In 2007, he took a break from show business to travel the world. After returning to Japan, he served as the creative director of "ULTRA JAPAN" and general producer of "STAR ISLAND," achieving great success both at home and abroad.
"CONTACT," a spectacular night sky show using drones, won the top prize at the Japan Event Awards (JACE Event Awards), receiving the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award.
In 2021, he will serve as show director for the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, and will be the event planning producer for the 2025 World Expo (Osaka/Kansai Expo). In addition, for the 2025 countdown event, he will plan and direct a show using 2,025 drones, the largest scale in Japan, presenting new possibilities for the Japanese entertainment scene. (As of January 2025) He is also involved in regional revitalization and urban development, and continues to provide new value to the times.
SUZUKI Daisuke
CEO of ARTLOGUE Inc., General Producer of Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival.
Born on Culture Day, November 3, 1977. After participating in a research project at the Global COE of the Osaka City University Urban Research Plaza, he started his own company. He won the Good Design Award in 2014, was a finalist in the 2015 Kyoto University GTEP Program (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), and won the OIH Award for global innovation at the 2016 Miraino Pitch (business contest: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Kinki Regional Bureau of Telecommunications).
On July 7, 2017, he founded Artlogue Inc. with the vision of "Arts for Human and Planet" and became its CEO.
"Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival" will be held in January and February 2022, with the aim of establishing the world's largest "Osaka Kansai International Art Festival" to coincide with the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.
An art innovator who aims to create a better society through the use of art.
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