BALLY | Report on the Special Live Event Held at Barry Ginza!
BALLY
Auction Winners Invited to Special Event with Herman Miller
Report: Special Live Performance at BALLY Ginza
The BALLY and Herman Miller Charity Chair Project, which garnered global attention, culminated in a special live event on Saturday, October 8th, at the BALLY Ginza store. Winners of the charity auction were invited to enjoy the special Shell Chairs and an exceptional musical performance.
Text by Koji ToyodaPhoto by Hiroki Mori
From BALLY to "more trees": The Charity Auction Results
The collaboration between BALLY and Herman Miller, centered on the keywords of "modernity and innovation," has been realized. The charity auction, held on OPENERS from noon on August 10th to September 6th, garnered significant attention both in Japan and internationally, a memory still fresh.
On Saturday, October 8th, a special live event was held at the BALLY Ginza store, inviting the winners who acquired 16 unique chairs through this auction.
The event offered guests the chance to relax in the BALLY x Herman Miller Shell Chairs while enjoying a live performance by jazz guitarist Hironobu Saito, who is based in New York.
The BALLY x Herman Miller Shell Chair
Charity Auction Winners
Upon arrival at the BALLY Ginza store, which opened its doors at 6:30 PM, the winners were visibly delighted, meeting their long-awaited BALLY x Herman Miller chairs for the first time. Each guest savored the joy of their acquisition, some testing the comfort, others admiring the chairs with the care one might give a beloved child.
Presentation of Charity Chair Project Proceeds
The charity live event commenced with the presentation of the auction proceeds to Mr. Kentaro Wai of "more trees" by Mr. Hisao Sakai, President of BALLY Japan. The total amount raised reached ¥1,148,092, which will be used to support forest conservation activities, a cause familiar to both BALLY and Herman Miller.
Mr. Kentaro Wai of "more trees" expressed his gratitude: "We are deeply thankful to BALLY and Herman Miller for endorsing our forest conservation efforts, and to all the auction winners. We will utilize this immense goodwill to further our mission of preserving the forests vital to our lives."
A Moment Captivated by Hironobu Saito's Melodies
Following this, jazz guitarist Hironobu Saito, recognized globally and a performer at the Monterey Jazz Festival, took the stage. Seated in the central chair on the stage set up at BALLY Ginza, he picked up a Koa-made 6-string ukulele and began to play. Drawing inspiration from the sea and nature, Saito's skillful fingers wove a tapestry of beautiful melodies. The winners and the audience were engrossed, following the sound with rapt attention. Some tapped their feet to the rhythm, others closed their eyes, listening intently, while some hummed along, lost in the music. Despite being in the heart of Ginza, the music transported everyone to a secluded private beach, creating an illusion of being far away. The gentle, acoustic tones, a departure from his usual contemporary repertoire, seemed to reflect Saito's own amiable personality.
Jazz Guitarist Hironobu Saito
Winners Listening to the Music
The joy of sitting in one of the sixteen special chairs from BALLY and Herman Miller, combined with the bliss of Hironobu Saito's superb soundscape, made this live event an unparalleled, sublime experience for the winners, who were able to enjoy both within a mere three hours.
As the event drew to a close, guests savored the delightful sweets and drinks prepared by BALLY, lingering in the pleasant afterglow of the live performance.
Mr. Hisao Sakai, President of BALLY Japan, shared his thoughts on the project: "This project resonated globally, thanks to coverage from various media outlets. What pleased us most was that the chairs were acquired by individuals who cherish both BALLY and Herman Miller. Furthermore, the proceeds are donated to 'more trees' to aid forest conservation. We are grateful to everyone who collaborated on this wonderful project. If possible, we would love to create another wonderful product with Herman Miller in the future."
We eagerly anticipate the potential realization of a second project from this remarkable collaboration.
BALLY JAPAN
Tel. 03-6215-6609
