Dancers are being recruited for "KAGUYA" and "MYSTERIO" in Asuka III Original Performing Arts, which will be produced by HITOHATA,INC..

Asuka III Original Performing Arts is an entertainment programme to be performed in the Lumiere Theatre, an entertainment space on Asuka III, a newly built cruise ship by Yusen Cruises Co Ltd scheduled to go into service in 2025, It is a new type of immersive performing arts that combines dance performances with fantastic and dynamic digital art images on holographic screens and LED screens.

KAGUYA pays homage to Taketori Monogatari (The Tale of the Bamboo-Cutter), which was established in the Heian period (794-1185) and is said to be the oldest extant Japanese tale. This is an original work.

MYSTERIO is an original work that weaves a mysterious story with fascinating culture and dance, such as the sun, jungle, animals in primary colours and prayers to the gods, on the theme of an ancient Mexican civilisation full of mystery and romance.

Dancers for the Asuka III Original Performing Arts will be selected through auditions and will be on board Asuka III for up to six months during the year from June 2025.

We are looking forward to receiving applications from motivated individuals who will work together to create a new entertainment experience that embodies the highest quality of service and a "moving museum on the sea" provided by Asuka III, the largest new passenger ship in the Japanese fleet.

Asuka III Original Performing Arts

Asuka III Original Performing Arts

[Name] KAGUYA and MYSTERIO

[Period] Summer 2025 (Asuka III's launch) - onwards.

The two performances are scheduled to be staged a total of approximately 104 times a year.

[Production staff]

General producer Takeaki Higashiyama

Director: Junya Yamada

Creative Director Takaki Nagao

Choreography MIWA

Concept Director Kazu Nakagawa

Art Director Nunoya Hayasaka

Technical director Fumiya Takeuchi

Project Manager Naoko Masugi

[Duration] Each performance will last approximately 30 minutes.

[Contents]

Asuka III Original Performing Arts is an entertainment programme that will be performed in the Lumiere Theatre, an entertainment space on Asuka III, a newly built cruise ship by Yusen Cruises Co Ltd scheduled to enter service in 2025, It is a new type of immersive performing arts that combines dance performances with fantastic and dynamic digital art images on holographic screens and LED screens.

KAGUYA pays homage to Taketori Monogatari (The Tale of the Bamboo-Cutter), which was established in the Heian period (794-1185) and is said to be the oldest extant Japanese tale. This is an original work.

MYSTERIO - Mysterio is an original work that weaves a mysterious story with fascinating culture and dance, such as the sun, jungle, animals in primary colours and prayers to the gods, on the theme of an ancient Mexican civilisation full of mystery and romance.

Asuka III Original Performing Arts Dancer Application Guidelines.

[[Number of applicants] Up to four per season (up to 16 per season for four seasons).

*A small number of applicants may be provisionally selected as research students with a view to joining the ship in 2026 or later.

[Conditions of application]

・Female applicants who are 18 years of age or older as of 1 April 2025.

・Those with aptitude as dancers for Asuka III Original Performing Arts.

・Dancers who can dance ballet, jazz and contemporary dance.

・Those who can participate in auditions and lessons/rehearsals after passing the audition.

・Those who are able to perform, work and live on board the Asuka III during the designated season (maximum 6 months per year) from June 2025 onwards (maximum 2 consecutive months on board).

[Schedule and location of lessons, rehearsals, performances and embarkation]

＜Lessons and rehearsals: Early May to late June 2025, Tokyo area, Yokohama and on board (possible to return home, up to 20 days).

＜Late June - late August 2025 on board (maximum of two consecutive months on board).

＜Late August - late October 2025 On board (maximum of two consecutive months)

＜Late December 2025 - around February 2026 On board (maximum of two consecutive months on board)

<Fourth season in 2025> Around March - May 2026 On board (maximum of two consecutive months' embarkation)

*Participation in lessons and training is mandatory for all successful applicants.

*Minimum of one season to a maximum of three seasons of the first to fourth seasons of 2025 to be embarked.

*The season in which you will be on board will be decided at the discretion of the production staff, based on your available schedule.

*In the case of embarkation after the second season, lessons and rehearsals may be held separately prior to embarkation.

The Asuka III cruise schedule is not fixed and the boarding schedule is subject to change according to the cruise schedule to be announced in the future.

[Required skills]

・The ability to maintain motivation and performance during long periods of time at sea.

・The ship's officers and crew must be able to work together and be positive during long periods of time on board.

・Communication skills

[Work description]

・Performances in Asuka III Original Performing Arts productions "KAGUYA" and "MYSTERIO" (up to 80 performances per season).

・Participation in Asuka III Original Performing Arts lessons and rehearsals.

・Hair and make-up, rehearsals, filming, dance instruction, choreography changes, test performances and other preparatory work for Asuka Ⅲ Original Performing Arts.

・Backstage duties for Asuka Ⅲ Original Performing Arts.

・Costume and props management, shift management, transportation cost calculation and other administrative duties for Asuka Ⅲ Original Performing Arts.

・Public relations work related to Asuka Ⅲ Original Performing Arts, such as SNS operation, filming and updating.

・Onboard Asuka Ⅲ Original Performing Arts promotion work, including ground-based performances, campaign staff and promotional video filming.

・Dance lessons for passengers and others at dance lesson events on board Asuka III

・Reception, guidance and other support duties for various events held on board Asuka III.

[How to apply]

Please fill in the following application form and send it to us.

＜Application form URL＞

https://forms.gle/3k4HQsUKD84uuWp18

＜Application form required information＞

・Name - Date of birth - Gender - Current address - Address of parents' home *If you have a family home where you can live - Mobile phone number - Height - Weight - Availability of haircuts - Periods and days when you cannot attend lessons or rehearsals - Seasons when you can board - Stage career / awards / lessons - Educational background (from junior high school) - Work experience (if any) - Personal preferences (special consideration should be given) - Personal PR, etc. Work experience (if any) - Self-publicity etc. - Personal wishes (if there are any special circumstances that need to be taken into consideration)

・Profile photo (face, full body)

・URL of dance video (within 90 seconds)

＜Notes＞

*Please submit a colour profile photograph taken within the last six months.

*The size of the profile photo image should be between 500KB and 10MB and the file format should be jpeg, png or pdf.

*Please submit a bust-up of the face in the profile photo and a full-body photo showing the full body shape from the feet up.

?Please submit a plain, light-coloured background such as white or grey for the profile photo.

*Please note that profile photos that have been processed or excessively modified using applications or other means will be rejected.

*If you pass the audition, your profile photo may be used as a publicity photo.

*Please submit a dance video that was taken within the last three months and that shows the full body shape of the dancer.

*Upload your dance video to a video sharing platform such as YouTube with settings such as limited publication and send us the URL.

・Please upload your dance video to a video sharing platform such as YouTube with settings such as limited publication and send us the URL. Please make sure to use a video sharing platform.

・When filming a dance video, please say the applicant's name at the beginning and then ask them to dance.

・Please make sure that your dance video is filmed in a well-lit place, whether indoors or outdoors.

*If you are submitting a dance video with more than one person in it, please add a description of each person (clothing, dance position, etc.) in the remarks column. Please note that videos with more than one person in the picture, such as those of a large group on stage or at a recital, where it is difficult to tell the level of the applicant's dancing, will not be accepted.

*If there are any corrections after submitting the application form, please fill in the required information again and send it to us. If more than one application is received from the same applicant, the latest application will be considered.

*Applicants are responsible for their own travel expenses to and from the audition.

*There is no screening fee or lesson fee for auditions.

*During auditions, we ask for your cooperation in signing a non-disclosure agreement in order to provide you with information including undisclosed or confidential information for the purpose of gaining a better understanding of our work.

*The audition will be filmed for the promotion of Asuka III Original Performing Arts (documentary release of the production process). Please note that even if you are unsuccessful, you may be filmed and photographed.

[Application period]

＜Deadline: 31 Aug (Sat), 2024 (23:59)＞

[Audition process]

・Application (fill in the required information on the application form).

・First stage screening (document screening)

・Notification of 1st screening results (up to 2 weeks after application deadline, notified by email).

・Second stage screening (practical dance screening) *Only for those who pass the first stage screening.

<Wed 25 Sep 2024 (Wed), time not fixed Place: WANGAN ACTION DANCE STUDIO A STUDIO (4-13-4 Kachidoki, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)

・Third round of screening *Date, time and place to be confirmed.

・Final interview *Date, time and place to be confirmed.

・Final interview* Date, time and place to be confirmed.

*Please note that you may not receive an email due to over capacity of your email or spam quarantine. If you have not heard from us after two weeks of application, please contact us.

*Please set up your email settings so that you can receive emails from the domain "hitohata.jp".

[Inquiries about auditions]

Please contact audition@hitohata.jp

*Enquiries by phone are not accepted.

＜Contract type, remuneration＞

[Contract type]

Outsourcing (maximum of one year).

Contract may be renewed

[Remuneration].

Standard monthly remuneration: ¥ 379,500 (including consumption tax, for 30 days on board per month) *Reward daily conversion: ¥ 12,650

*After the start of the first season in 2025, remuneration will be paid according to the number of days on board, regardless of the number of appearances.

*100% of the daily equivalent of remuneration will be paid for days on board when there are no appearances or duties.

*For lessons and rehearsals, 50% of the daily equivalent of remuneration is paid per day.

*In principle, transportation and accommodation expenses between home and port of embarkation and disembarkation (in the event that an overnight stay is required), as well as transportation and accommodation expenses for lessons, rehearsals and meetings, are paid in full.

*Interviews and other meetings and online meetings are not eligible for remuneration.

*The remuneration is based on registration as a Qualified Billing and Issuing Business. If you are not registered as a Qualified Billing and Issuing Business Operator, remuneration will be paid after deducting a 10% sales tax equivalent.

*Individuals are subject to a separate 10.21% withholding tax.

*Social insurance (health insurance, employee pension and unemployment insurance) is not applicable.

Q.What type of work is it?

A. In principle, you will be on board the Asuka III Original Performing Arts for the duration of the performance (up to eight months per year), and you will be on board continuously for approximately two months at a time, performing duties according to the performance schedule, as well as rehearsals, administrative duties, publicity work and other duties as required. You will also be required to carry out rehearsals, administrative duties, public relations and other duties as required.

The number of performance days varies from cruise to cruise, but a total of around 104 performances of two programmes are planned per year.

As a rule, performances will not be held for more than five consecutive days or more than 20 days per month.

Performances are scheduled twice a day around dinner time, but not more than twice a day or more than 40 performances per month as a rule.

Including other duties, the standard time off during a week on board is approximately one to two days.

Asuka III is scheduled to enter service in the summer of 2025, but during the preparation period, lessons, rehearsals and rehearsals are scheduled to take place on board Asuka III while the ship is at anchor (in principle, overnight stays are planned, but returning home is also possible).

Q. Will I perform in either of the two shows?

A. There will be a maximum of four dancers on board per season, but three dancers will perform in each of the two shows, and the remaining one will be a back-up dancer/backstage person. Basically, all four dancers are required to learn the choreography for their designated positions in each of the two performances, with breaks taken into account when deciding who will perform.

The same programme may be performed twice a day, before and after dinner time, but as a rule, the two programmes will not be performed on the same day.

Which programme is performed depends on the cruise.

Q.What are the living conditions on board Asuka III?

A.Asuka III Original Performing Arts dancers will be 'business passengers' on Asuka III and will have free access to their cabins (double occupancy), main dining room, grand spa (public bath), self-service laundry, etc. while on board (some paid restaurants and salons & spas are also available at the same rate as passengers). (some paid restaurants and salons & spas are also available at the same rate as passengers). However, some facilities are not available.

Rooms are generally double occupancy, sharing with other Asuka III Original Performing Arts dancers and entertainment operators (of the same gender). Rooms are equipped with a bed, closet, TV, fridge, hairdryer, shower, washroom and toilet.

If you go outside your stateroom on sea duty days, you will basically be in the Entertainment

When outside the cabins on maritime working days, a special uniform for entertainment staff is generally required. Uniforms are not required when using the dining areas, public baths and footness centres, even on holidays and working days.

In addition, access to crew areas and use of facilities is generally not permitted.

Q.How can I spend my holiday while on board?

A.Holidays on board are basically spent in the same way as other passengers. However, some facilities are not available.

Q.Can I go out when the ship is in port or at anchor?

A.You can go out when the ship is in port or at anchor.

Q.Do I need my passport?

A.Passports are required as the ship may call at foreign ports and embark and disembark in foreign countries.

Q. What about transport costs for embarkation/disembarkation and lessons/training?

A. As a rule, all transport and accommodation costs between home and port of embarkation/disembarkation (in the event that an overnight stay is required before or after embarkation), and transport and accommodation costs for lessons, training and meetings will be paid in full. If you cannot return home on the same day before embarkation or after disembarkation, we will pay the actual costs of hotel accommodation in the vicinity of the port. For lessons and rehearsals, lessons, rehearsals and rehearsals are scheduled on board Asuka III while the ship is berthed in Yokohama during the preparation period for the launch (in principle, overnight stay is scheduled and return home is also possible).

Q.When is the contract period?

A.The contract period is for a maximum of one year from the start date of the lessons (early May 2025) until around May 2026, when the fourth season of 2025 ends. If our Asuka III Original Performing Arts continues to be performed after the expiry of the contract period, the contract may be renewed at the discretion of the production staff.

The same applies to research students who are not expected to be on board in 2025, but who are expected to be on board in 2026 or later.

Q.What is the average remuneration?

A. The maximum period of continuous embarkation is approximately two months per season, i.e. if you embark for 60 days, the daily rate of remuneration is JPY 12,650 (including consumption tax) x 60 days = JPY 759,000. If the ship is on board for 180 days a year, the amount would be JPY 2,277,000. For lessons/training, the remuneration is 50% of the daily remuneration conversion per day, i.e. 20 days of lessons/training would be JPY 12,650 (incl. consumption tax) x 50% x 20 days = JPY 126,500.

In addition, the cost of transport and accommodation between home and port of embarkation and disembarkation (in the event that an overnight stay is required), as well as transport and accommodation for lessons, rehearsals and meetings will, in principle, be paid in full. However, interviews and other meetings and online meetings are not eligible for remuneration.

The remuneration will be paid if you are registered as a Qualified Billing Provider. If you are not registered as a Qualified Billing and Issuing Business Operator, the remuneration will be paid after deducting the amount equivalent to 10% consumption tax. Individuals are also subject to a separate withholding tax of 10.21%.

Q. Does the Seafarer's Act apply?

A. As Asuka III Original Performing Arts dancers will be working crew on Asuka III, the Seafarer's Act does not apply.

Q.Are there any specific attire requirements?

A.If you go outside your cabin on sea duty days, you are basically required to wear the entertainment staff's special uniform. On holidays and working days, uniforms are not required when using the dining rooms, public baths and footness centres.

Q. Can I use mobile phones and the internet on board?

A.In Japan, it is expected to be possible to use them while at anchor in port and along the coast where land is visible. However, as the ship is made of steel, the signal is often blocked, in which case it is expected to be usable on decks and where there are windows.

Q.I am worried about seasickness or if I become ill while on board.

A.There is a ship's doctor on board. Many people experience seasickness as their bodies become accustomed to it and the symptoms gradually lessen, depending on the individual, but please bring anti-sickness medication suited to your constitution.

Q.Can I disembark for personal reasons while on board?

A.Disembarkation for personal reasons is generally not permitted while on board.

However, this does not apply in unavoidable circumstances, such as urgent family matters.

Q. Is English language proficiency required?

A.More than 90% of the passengers on the current Asuka II cruise ship are Japanese or foreign nationals who speak Japanese.

On the other hand, many of the crew members are foreign nationals and English may be required for communication with foreign crew members.

However, dancers and production staff on Asuka III Original Performing Arts and engineers on Lumiere Theatre are basically expected to be Japanese, so English proficiency is not essential.

Asuka III Overview

Asuka III is a newly built cruise ship by Yusen Cruises Co Ltd, scheduled to enter service in 2025.

The ship's home port is Yokohama, and with a gross tonnage of 52,200, Asuka III will be the largest passenger ship in the Japanese fleet.

The ship will be 230.2 m long and 29.8 m wide, with a total of 385 passenger cabins and a capacity for 740 passengers.

Asuka III will offer the hospitality and quality of service that Asuka Cruises has cultivated on its Japanese vessels, while pursuing services that will enable the next generation to enjoy the freedom they seek.

Asuka III will also convey the splendour of Japanese culture throughout the cruise, and will be decorated with a variety of works of art and crafts by artists who support Japanese art and culture, connecting Japanese culture as a "moving museum at sea".

Information on Asuka III is current as of April 2024. Contents are subject to change.

Asuka III Image CG Image courtesy of Yusen Cruises Co.

Asuka III website

A-TIMES Asuka Ⅲ now. - Asuka Cruises (Round-the-world cruises, etc.)

https://asukaluxury.asukacruise.co.jp/

Asuka III Original Performing Arts Production Staff Profile

General producer Takeaki Higashiyama

Born in Tokyo in 1980, after working for NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), he established HITOHATA,INC. in 2019 and became its representative director.

Producer and general director of projection mapping and immersive museums, involved in various digital art events in Japan and abroad, including 'Okazaki Castle Keep Projection Mapping', 'National Historic Site Saigu Site Heian Picture Scroll Projection Mapping', 'UNESCO World Heritage San Marino Historical Centre and Mount Titano Palazzo Pavlico The company has been involved in various digital art events in Japan and abroad, including 'Projection Mapping'.

In September 2023, he produced a 3D projection show as the opening of a reception for tourism to Japan, a side event of the UN General Assembly organised by the Japan Tourism Agency and co-organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in New York, USA, and in December 2023, he produced the projection mapping of the national treasure Matsumoto Castle Keep. In April 2024, the company produced the large-scale immersive museum project 'Ukiyo-e in Motion - MILANO' in Milan, Italy.

Direction Junya Yamada

He presented the stage production THE SAKE at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest theatre festival, which won five stars.

In recent years, he has expanded his activities to Asia, and was the general director of the mega-fashion show 'TMALL COLLECTION' by TMALL, the largest e-commerce site in China of the Alibaba Group.

In Japan, he has also worked on "Tokyo Fireworks Festival - EDOMODE", "Hatsune Miku x Kodo Special Live" and the stage "INSPIRE Yin-Yang Master" starring Takao Osawa, and is expanding his activities into large-scale entertainment in various fields such as traditional arts, music events, fireworks production, martial arts, theatre and cultural events.

Creative director Takaki Nagao

Born 1975 in Hokkaido, Japan. After working for a game company and a content production company, he established Bronson Inc. in 2011 and became its representative director.

Has produced TV commercials and other visual content for Toyota, Honda, Kirin, Suntory, Coca-Cola, NTTdocomo, Tokyo Gas, NEXCO East Japan, Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, Yokohama F Marinos, Consadole Sapporo, NHK, Fuji TV, TV Tokyo, HTB, STV, HBC, TVH and UHB. In addition to production experience in TV commercials and other video content, he has also directed large-scale projection mapping, such as the Sapporo Snow Festival projection mapping.

Has produced video content in a variety of genres, including projection mapping, installations, motion graphics, filming of celebrities and athletes, and 3DCG.

Has produced video content in Canada, Thailand and Taiwan, and has produced numerous video content for overseas audiences.

Choreography MIWA

Choreographer, director, butoh dancer and instructor. Born in Tokyo.

Back-up dancer and music video performer for many artists, including Namie Amuro, Ayumi Hamasaki, Kumi Koda, TRF, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Kokia. She has also choreographed concerts for Kana Nishino, Kokia and others.

In 2018, she produced and choreographed 'Bifusai', a piece based on the theme of 'Japanese festivals', and won the best piece award at Japan's top dance competition 'Legend Tokyo chapter.8'.

In 2019, she choreographed and performed at the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup 2019.

He is active in corporate projects, choreographing concerts and music videos for artists, serving as a judge for dance competitions in Japan and abroad, teaching dance and creating artworks, using dance to recreate and advocate Japanese culture, and to transmit the beauty of Japan to the world.

Concept director Nodoka Nakagawa

Has been working as an assistant director of HITOHATA,INC. since her university days and was an assistant producer of the large-scale immersive museum project 'Ukiyo-e in Motion: Exhibition NAGOYA', which successfully attracted over 80 000 visitors. 2024: Joined HITOHATA,INC. Project manager of "Ukiyo-e in Motion: MILANO" and "Ukiyo-e in Motion: KAGOSHIMA".

Produced luxury night-time contents at the Tokugawa Shogun family's family temple, Seidozan Taikiji, as a project adopted by the Agency for Cultural Affairs' 'Promotion of the use of attractive cultural assets in various parts of Japan'.

Concept director of Asuka III original performing arts 'KAGUYA' and 'MYSTERIO'