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An retelling of an ancient Japanese legend took centre stage in Brussels as part of celebrations marking 160 years of diplomatic and cultural relations between Belgium and Japan.
Held at Brussels historic 15th century Town Hall, Amaterasu is a performance inspired by one of the most important stories in Japanese mythology.
The production reimagines the tale of the sun goddess Amaterasu – one of the most important deities in Shinto mythology. According to legend, she retreated into a cave after a bitter dispute with her brother, the storm god Susanoo, plunging the world into darkness.
To lure her back into the light, the other deities gathered outside the cave and filled the night with music, dance and laughter until, finally, she left the cafe and the light returned.
The show was devised by dress designer and performance artist Eiko Kobayashi as a way to parade kimonos as wearable art about memory and Japanese mythology.
Presented by the cultural non-profit organisation Be-Japon, the internationally acclaimed show has already wowed audiences in 12 countries. It features a series of striking kimono-inspired runway presentations – mixing fashion, choreography and storytelling.
As explained to the Brussels audience at one point during the show: “The costume of the sun goddess, Amaterasu, is really special. It uses a linen jacket from over 100 years ago, covered with the silk from Fukushima, the thinnest silk in the world.”
The event formed part of a wider programme celebrating the long-standing cultural ties between Belgium and Japan, demonstrating how artistry continues to strengthen connections between the two nations.
Check out the video in the main player above to see highlights from the performance.