AS by atsuko sano | Gekidan Kojo, Arakijo Tsutaro's portrayal of future hope and resolve
AS by atsuko sano
Gekidan Kōjō, Tsutarō Kōjō Embodies Future Hope and Resolve
In the third installment exploring the relationship between jewelry and popular culture, we present a short film featuring Tsutarō Kōjō, an actor with the theater troupe Gekidan Kōjō. Please pay attention to his portrayal of both future hope and resolve, embodying two distinct worlds: the cosmic and the military, set in the near future.
Photographed by WATANABE Hajime (diapositive)Direction by IKUTA KojiHair & Make by TADOKORO ChikaText by ITO Yuji (OPENERS)
A Collection Themed "Samurai Spirit"
The RIN collection, unveiled in 2011, is conceptualized around "five RINS." These represent: "Wa" (輪), signifying reincarnation and harmony, the origin of AzCircle; "Rin" (凛), the beauty and bravery that sharpens the senses; "Rin" (倫), the path and proper human relationships; "Ri" (厘), a unit of measurement (1/1000th of a yen) indicating precision; and "Rin" (燐), meaning fire, referencing the "Fire" scroll of the Book of Five Rings – representing battle and fiery passion. The jewelry designs are inspired by the "KATANA" and are structured into four lines. First is the line expressing the sword itself and its afterimage when swung. Then, "CROSS," pursuing beauty; "CLAW," three-dimensionally expressing "instinct and stimulation" with a motif of talons; "GCR," representing a mass of elements; and "PRISM," themed around the concept of the five RINS, light reflection, and balance. With the addition of new pieces themed around cosmic and military aesthetics, the RIN collection has evolved further.
Expressing Encounters with the Unknown in a Unique Worldview
The theme for this film production is the encounter between a returning soldier from a distant future planet and a warrior who has evolved uniquely. The jewelry from "AS by atsuko sano" serves as the link between them. The returning soldier wears pieces from the "Cosmic" collection, embodying a cool, almost silent mystery, representing hope for the future as envisioned by Ms. AS. Clad in these, Tsutarō Kōjō delivers a powerful performance, drawing on the expressiveness honed through his work in popular theater.
(From left) Bangle ¥291,600, Bangle ¥291,600, Bangle ¥291,600, Brooch ¥216,000 (all AS by atsuko sano)
(From top) Ring ¥313,200, Ring ¥313,200, Ring ¥226,800, Ring ¥324,000, Ring ¥155,520, Ring ¥155,520 (all AS by atsuko sano)
(From left) Ring ¥312,000, Ring ¥226,800, Ring ¥324,000, Brooch ¥378,000 (all AS by atsuko sano)
AS by atsuko sano
Gekidan Kōjō, Tsutarō Kōjō Embodies Future Hope and Resolve
Craftsmanship That Vividly Expresses Sensitivity
The jewelry from AS by atsuko sano showcases the skill and sensibility of artisans in every aspect. Behind this lies Ms. AS's philosophy: "High jewelry must remain beautiful for centuries." To best showcase the brilliance of gemstones, each artisan creates and uses original tools that fit their hands perfectly.
Furthermore, the aim of AS's RIN is to emanate a "samurai spirit," thus its brilliance is not ostentatious but rather a contained, powerful radiance. Precision and meticulousness are indispensable in its creation. Consequently, polishing is completed in a single pass, and this very beauty accentuates the individuality of the designs.
Expressing Unsettled Battlefield Emotions Through Meticulous Movement
The film features a warrior from Earth's future, adorned with the "Military" collection, encountering the returning soldier. Though living in entirely different worlds, the jewelry acts as a catalyst, enabling them to traverse past and future freely, linking all the information they possess. Tsutarō Kōjō's performance, embodying a world no one has yet experienced, is synchronized with precise CG to express AS by atsuko sano's unique aesthetic sensibilities.
(From top) Rings ¥205,200 each, Bangle (top left) ¥302,400, Bangle (bottom left) ¥432,000, Bangle (right) ¥302,400 (all AS by atsuko sano)
(From top) Bangle ¥432,000, Bangle ¥302,400, Shoe jewelry ¥367,200 (all AS by atsuko sano)
(From left) Rings ¥205,200 each, Bangle ¥302,400 (all AS by atsuko sano)
Read Vol. 1: "Stimulus to Freely Traverse Past, Present, and Future"
Read Vol. 2: "Familiar Art Found in Popular Theater and Art Aquarium"
AS by atsuko sano
Tel. 03-5466-0502
http://www.as-by-atsuko-sano.com