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September 6, 2016
Busy Days of Kids' Film Festivals, Live Performances, and More | Keiko Toda
Keiko Toda | The World's Oldest Children's Film Festival
Busy Days with Kineko Film Festival, Live Performances, and More (1)
Keiko Toda visited the Zlín Festival, a children's film festival held in Zlín, Czech Republic. While enjoying a wonderful time with the children, she also took the opportunity to sightsee in the Czech Republic. She seems to have been completely charmed by the country.
Text by KEIKO TODA
Anpanman is Hugely Popular in the Czech Republic Too!
I probably wouldn't choose to visit the Czech Republic based on my own interests, but I unexpectedly had the chance to go to Zlín, a suburb of the Czech Republic, for work related to the Kineko International Film Festival. I imagine many of you haven't heard of this place either. Prague is famous, of course, but this time it was Zlín, a rural town I would never have chosen myself. From Haneda to Dubai, then Dubai to Vienna, and finally a three-hour drive across the border from Vienna! It was a long journey, taking about 24 hours from Haneda to the hotel.
Zlín is, frankly, a rural town (laughs). It's very green, and the birdsong is incredible. That really made me laugh. It was like listening to a nature sounds app, no, even more intense. It's so peaceful. The town with its rows of orange roofs is also charming, and the hotel was reasonably priced during the festival, which was very considerate. Usually, it's the other way around, isn't it?
The film festival was a city-wide event from start to finish, with events and screenings happening all over. It's a festival entirely for children. The Zlín Festival, now in its 56th year, is said to be the world's oldest children's film festival. I was deeply honored to be invited to such a festival.
In Zlín, I participated in a workshop with the children. We did warm-up exercises and made sounds to accompany animations. I was delighted that everyone participated so earnestly. Apparently, only five Japanese people live in Zlín, but I happened to meet three of them. And I also met a cute girl who is half Japanese and half Czech. What a surprise! She brought an Anpanman plush toy. Go Anpanman! To be so popular even in the Czech Republic (laughs)!
The venue was filled with energy and excitement. I also met with the people running the film festival and learned a great deal from our conversations. I also watched several films with the children. There were some works I would like to introduce in Japan.
I also attended the final awards ceremony and the after-party. The Zlín Philharmonic performed, and the awards ceremony was magnificent, with TV coverage. It was clear that the entire city was involved in making it a success. It was wonderful.
On my way back, I unexpectedly had a few hours off in Vienna and dined at a restaurant called Griechenbeisl, where handwritten signatures remain on the walls. Among them were signatures from Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Mark Twain. There were also several signatures from prominent Japanese figures. When I was told I could also leave my signature, I thought this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! So, I wrote my name.
A carriage ride around the UNESCO World Heritage site Schönbrunn Palace. St. Stephen's Cathedral. Sacher-Torte at Hotel Sacher. Vienna, which I toured in a rush, was also wonderful! I would be happy if I could visit again someday.
Page 02.LIVE at Cotton Club: An Atmosphere of Sophistication
Keiko Toda | A Live Performance with a Subtle Edge
Busy Days with Kineko Film Festival, Live Performances, and More (2)
LIVE at Cotton Club: An Atmosphere of Sophistication
This was my second casual live performance at Cotton Club. Rehearsals were also incredibly busy, but miraculously, I found time, and I felt like the gods were on my side for the live show.
In addition to my regular work, I filmed a JR Kyushu commercial in Kagoshima, began shooting the drama series 'Aquarium Girl,' and attended a preview screening for the Anpanman movie. While juggling these various jobs, I completed the final rehearsal for the live performance, and then it was showtime. I'm grateful to the band members for their focus despite the limited time.
The live performance was even more powerful with the participation of Go Ueki, also known as Brother GO, for the first time in a while. Go's solo dance was an adult version, tailored for Cotton Club. Or rather, Go himself is quite an adult (laughs), but it was incredibly cool and wonderful.
For the live show, I sang a few songs from recent stage performances. In particular, 'Miss You,' which I sang during 'Stardust Town,' was highly requested, so I performed the full chorus. It's a beautiful song. It has a strong Showa-era feel, with a sense of sensuality and melancholy. I thought about recording it.
I believe this live performance had a subtle edge within a mellow atmosphere. Thank you to everyone who attended. Thank you also for purchasing BG brand items. The members of LOVE JUNX, whom the BG brand supports, always come to my shows. While I intend to support them, it often feels like they are supporting me (laughs). I want to continue working to support them even more.
The second half of the year has begun. I look forward to seeing you all again at the theater and at my live performances.