Sharing the Joy of Reading with Creative Minds

"Dokushono Fes" is the first outdoor event of its kind, born from the idea that reading could be celebrated at a festival, much like music. It proposes new ways to experience books. Creators from various fields, including Akutagawa Prize-winning author Mieko Kawakami, American literature scholar Motoyuki Shibata, and musician Masakatsu Takagi, will present readings and performances.


— From the "Dokushono Fes" Organizing Committee (Hiroshi Eguchi / Mika Otsuka / Mototaka Haba)
"Reading has traditionally been a solitary, quiet activity done at home. However, at 'Dokushono Fes,' we want to propose a new way of reading. Instead of alone, at home, and in silence, we'll read together, outdoors, and perhaps even loudly. While music festivals abound, this 'Dokushono Fes' centers on readings by writers."



"Instead of text, the audience will hear words spoken directly from the vocal cords. It's a more primal way of reading, engaging the body before the mind. We want to bring the act of reading, which tends to be a 'personal matter,' back to the everyday table. We aim to create an event where we can all think about reading while meeting face-to-face."

Much like a music festival, a timetable will be set for performers to present their "readings" on the outdoor stage. The organizers seem to be anticipating crowd-surfing, but it remains to be seen how the event will unfold. This is truly an unprecedented festival.


Performers

Mieko Kawakami (Writer), Erika Kobayashi (Writer/Manga Artist), Hakuchō San'yūtei (Rakugo Performer), Motoyuki Shibata (American Literature Scholar/Translator), Bin Suga (Poet), Masakatsu Takagi (Filmmaker/Musician), Masahiro Tobita (Fashion Designer), Yoko Hiramatsu (Essayist), Yuko Fumizuki (Poet), Hiroshi Hōmura (Poet)



Dokushono Fes

Date: Saturday, November 10th

Time: Doors open 12:00 PM / Performance starts 1:00 PM

Venue: Ueno Park Outdoor Stage (formerly Water Stage Amphitheater)

3 Ikenohata, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Tel. 03-3828-5644

Price: Advance tickets ¥1500 / Same-day tickets ¥2000

Purchase via website

http://peatix.com/event/7784
http://www.dokushono.info