｜ 1：Introduction ｜ 2：The explanation of each photograph ｜ 3：Interview & Column ｜
2：The explanation of each photograph
【001-009】 【010-019】 【020-029】 【030-036】 【P.26】 【037-039】 【040-049】
【050-055】 【P.42】 【056-059】 【060-069】 【070-079】 【080-089】
【090-092】 【P.68】 【093-099】 【100-109】 【110-119】 【120-129】
【130-138】 【139-143】 【P.104】 【144-149】 【150-159】 【160-165】
001
Seen from the ferry from Kagoshima Port to the Amami Islands; the evening skies under the Kagoshima bay.
July, 2008 on the Maruei Ferry, Kagoshima
002
left : The organizer visited the island.
February, 2007 on Amami Island
003/004
upper & lower right : He met with city officers to explain the concept of the party and the past examples.
February, 2007 on Amami Island
005
Checking out the ferry! or sunrise!
July, 2008 on the Maruei Ferry, Kagoshima
006
Organizers and artists met in Kyusyu. The festival couldn't have been on out put on without their knowledge, experience and the help and cooperation of people from Amami and Okinawa.
July, 2007 in Kumamoto, Kyusyu
007
Meeting with the organizers and artists, everyone involved in the creation of the party.
January, 2009 at Brand New Made Inc.'s office, Nishi-Azabu.
008
The flyers to promote the party, fresh off the press. List of artists, photos etc. at the BNM office in Tokyo.
November, 2008 at Brand New Made Inc.'s office, Tokyo
009
Regular meeting with heads of departments.
September, 2008 at Brand New Made Inc.'s office, Tokyo
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010
Promoting the party in Ageha, one of any promotion events around Japan.
March, 2008 at ageHa in Shinkiba, Tokyo
011 / 012
left / right : Nagisa, the big urban music festival; talk show about the Eclipse Party.
April, 2008 at Nagisa Music Festival, Tokyo
013
upper right : People from Amami that lived in tokyo came to give their support.
April, 2008 at Nagisa Music Festival, Tokyo
014
upper bottom : An Amami, local liquer 'Syochu' - rice wine made with brown suger. Good fun was had by all.
April, 2008 at Nagisa Music Festival, Tokyo
015
right : The members of 'Itcharyon-kai' came all the way to Tokyo to introduce to the crowds Amami Dance; They paid for the trip out of their own pockets. They performed the dance 'Hachigatsu-Odori (August Dance)' and 'Rokucho'. It was the first time for many people to see this style of dance, and it was very well received.
April, 2008 at Nagisa Music Festival, Tokyo
016
left : One of the organizers stood in front of the count down panel in Amami airport prior to one of the countdown parties in 2008.
July, 2008 on Amami Island
017 / 018
upper right : The organizer and construction crew took notes at the site of the venue. The site was being developed into a resort for holiday-makers prior to ther Eclipse Party so many of an plans had to be changed or adapted.
July, 2008 on Amami Island
019
upper left : The organizers was interviewed by local media at the City Hall in Amami.
July, 2008 on Amami Island
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020
bottom left : On air at the local radio station 'Amami FM'.
July, 2008 on Amami Island
021
right : Stage managers checked materials for construction in different parts of Amami. Keeping it local was an important part of the festival philosophy.
July, 2008 on Amami Island
022 / 023
The organizers explained the concept of the festival to locals at a Commnity Center.
July, 2008 on Amami Island
024 / 025
upper & bottom :
Communication and friendship was an important part of the development of the festival. 'Drinking' parties were important too.
July, 2008 on Amami Island
026
At the last pre-parties in 2008 we celebrated with the full moon instead of eclipse.
July, 2008 on Amami Island
027
the 'Moon' stage at the beach, looked beautiful moonlight night like it is supposed to.
July, 2008 on Amami Island
028
upper left : Dancing and smiling at he main stage, The Sun.
July, 2008 on Amami Island
029
bottom left :
We could spent light nights that we didn't need torch.
July, 2008 on Amami Island
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030
right : Soon after sun rised, it got so hot that we had to stay in the shade of the trees and speakers.
July, 2008 on Amami Island
031
It was clear and sunny day just one year before of that day.
July 22, 2008 on Amami Island
032
The wall of the organizer.
February, 2009 at Brand New Made Inc.'s office, Tokyo
033
Just before 6month, there were not enough time with only regular meetings for the organizers and other creative crews, then they had some extra meetings until midnight.
January, 2009 at Waon Production's office, Tokyo
034 / 035 / 036
left / upper & bottom left : The last general meeting, just before the festival.
June, 2009 at Nishiazabu Welfare Hall, Tokyo
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P.26
Creators
The Total Solar Eclipse Music Festival comprised of over 500 staff and volunteers. The earliest from the staff settled into the island in the end of June to meet the 16th of July. It took over 10 hours a day for preparations.
Securing lodging for all the staff was practically difficult. It wasn’t any easier in the humid heat, and the dangers posed by venomous Okinawa Habu snakes. Some amongst the staff had spent more or less the period of one month preparing for the festival. Despite the adversities every single contributing creator has held in high spirits. As one staff member laughed and said, “After getting used to the heat and getting over some quarrels, enjoying at least one dip in the ocean a day, the Amami Islands welcome you!”
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037
On the evening before the opening all the staff have a meeting on site and pledge to make it the best festival ever.
July 15, 2009 at 22:15
038
Staff prepare to construct the 'Moon' stage.
July 15, 2009 at 10:01 around the 'Moon' stage
039
left : Staff put up shade.
July 15, 2009 at 09:23 around the 'Moon' Bar
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040
upper right : Nearly all of the decorations and signs were made by hand. Mr. Nishi, the leader of Amami traditional Dance org. gave us the use of his holiday home as a base for our creative talents.
041
bottom right : Colorful decorations for the 'Sun' stage.
July 14, 2009 at 19:18 around the 'Moon' stage
042
Because it was too hot to work during the day, staff mostly worked just after sunset when it was much cooler. Here, shade was put up for the 'Sun' stage.
July 14, 2009 at 19:01 around the 'Sun' stage
043
A lot of rubble had to be removed from the beach.
July 14, 2009 at 19:41 around the 'Moon' stage
044
The spirit of D.I.Y. can be traced back to the first festivals from around the world. It is part of the culture of outdoor parties. We wanted to follow fhis spirit and keep our festival 'hand-made'.
July 14, 2009 at 19:13 at the 'Sun' stage
045
Staff waiting for their dinner.
July 14, 2009 at 21:12 near the water facilities
046
Construction continues into the night.
July 18 2009 at 00:11 at the 'Sun' stage
047
Dawn breaks finally, after a hard night's work.
July 16 2009 at 05:08 around the 'Moon Bar'
048
An ex-army parashute and marquee tent are used for shade around the ‘Earth Area’.
July 14 2009 at 09:58 around the 'Earth Area'
049
Construction continues around the ‘Earth Area’ in the heat of midday just prior to opening on the first day of the festival.
July 16 2009 at 16:07 around the 'Earth Area'
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050
Most of the decorations were made from recycled materials and organic goods found in Amami. Decorating continued throughout the festival and grew each day.
July 21 2009 at 16:50 at the 'Sun' stage
051
The oldest staff member was the leader of the team making teepees. He has been building tepees around Japan from the very begining of Japanese outdoor party scene.
July 14 2009 at 09:12 at the 'Sun' stage at the 'Moon Cafe'
052
Even though the conditions were tough, everyone brought a positive vibe with themeach day and smiling.
July 16 2009 at 17:16 at the 'Earth Cafe'
053
prior page spread : Staff came not only from different parts of Japan but also from all over the world. Some staff were travelling around the world. There were never entirely enough staff, so many staff put in a lot of overtime. Their gift was a big contribution to the festival.
July 14 2009 at 17:41 at the Community Center of Kasari-machi.
054
left : The shade was almost completed.
July 16 2009 at 10:37 at the 'Sun' stage
055
upper : This sculpture was over 10m high.
July 21 2009 at 19:58 at the 'Sun' stage
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P.42
Living in Nature
In order to hold the festival in the open nature, where the gathered mass would live, frolic and dance, it was unavoidable to develop a clearing and or add pressure to the already cleared openings. No matter how ecological the approaches are, the damage to the ecology is inevitable. All that gathered from around the globe were aware of this consequence, and none neglected to share diverse environmental ethics.
Despite the fact that the selected area was planned for the development of a resort, with already constructed numerous roads and openings, the island’s nature was enchanting to all the visiting city dwellers. Out of all the music festivals held in Japan, there has never been one of the same magnitudes held in a severe natural environment as the Total Solar Eclipse Music Festival. Due to the state of the natural environment sensations were amplified.
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056
The opening ceremony held in the earth area. Hideyo Blackmoon and Kamilla Del Sol dance in prayers for the safety of all who gathered.
057
Hideyo Blackmoon.
July 16 2009 at 17:56 at the ‘Earth Area'
058
Both woman represent ying and yang, one wearing white and the other black.
July 16 2009 at 18:10 at the 'Earth Area'
059
Everybody held hands raised them in the air and cheered together.
July 16 2009 at 18:20 at the 'Earth Area'
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060
Many people brought children to the festival.
July 16 2009 at 18:28 at the 'Earth Area'
061
One of the decorations; this flower was made from leaves.
July 16 2009 at 16:40 at the 'Earth Cafe'
062
One of festival-goers watching the ceremony.
July 16 2009 at 17:45 at the 'Earth Area'
063
The big tent; made from parachute, it was used for massage, healing and yoga.
July 17 2009 at 20:53 at the 'Earth Area'
064
Candle sculpture created by team Candle June. The warm, peaceful glow from the candles lit the ‘Earth Area’ every night.
July 17 2009 at 21:02 at the 'Earth Area'
065
upper : Until the other stages were opened, the ‘Earth Area’ was the dance floor.
July 17 2009 at 21:22 at the 'Earth Area'
066
bottom left : Fullmoon Mondo.
July 17 2009 at 21:06 at the 'Earth Area'
067
bottom right : Kotaro and his daughter.
July 20, 2009 at 20:39, the ‘Earth Area’
068
A baby Okinawa Habu snake. The party ground was crawling with Okinawa Habu snakes. There was a snake specialist on standby during the event. It was a party at the midst of death.
July 15, 2009 at 21:09, the ‘Sun’ stage.
069
Chilling at the beach under a shade.
July 17, 2009 at 18:26, at the beach.
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070
Going fishing.
July 18, 2009 at 18:54, the beach.
071
Setting up camp with the least materials available.
July 17, 2009 at 19:13, the beach.
072
The comfort from the heat begins once the sun begins to set.
July 18, 2009 at 18:59 near the ‘Moon’ stage
073
The beach was immersed in a radiant glow from the setting sun’s
light refracting on the condensed humidity in the air.
July 18, 2009 at 19:10, the beach.
074
The party kicked off at the opening of the ‘Moon’ stage.
July 21, 2009 at 00:29, the ‘Moon’ stage
075
DJ Katsuya.
July 21, 2009 at 02:27, the ‘Moon’ stage
076/77
upper & bottom left : Dancing partygoers.
July 21, 2009 at 03:11, the ‘Beach’ stage
078
right : Under the milky way.
July 21, 2009 at 01:56 at the ‘Beach’ stage
079
The moon showed itself as the skies turned pale to commence the solar eclipse.
July 19, 2009 at 05:19, the ‘Moon’ stage.
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080
Early morning at the ‘Moon’ stage.
July 20, 2009 at 05:39, the ‘Moon’ stage.
081
Masa.
July 19, 2009 at 05:54, the ‘Moon’ stage.
082
Staring far away as visibility dilates with the light from the rising sun.
July 19, 2009 at 05:44, near the 'Moon' stage.
083
Staff members hastily protecting the equipment from the sudden rain showers.
July 19, 2009 at 07:14, the ‘Moon’ stage
084
The sun bursts out once more and the temperature keeps rising.
July 19, 2009 at 07:21, the ‘Moon’ stage
085
During the extreme heat of the day, except on the day of solar eclipse and the day before that, the music was paused and everyone escaped the sun peacefully.
July 19, 2009 at 08:38 at the beach
086
upper left : The helpful staff cleaning up the beach.
July 14, 2009 at 16:04, the seaside of Kasari-machi
087
bottom left : The island people.
July 14, 2009 at 16:18, the seaside of Kasari-machi
088
upper right : Processing salt by only evaporating the sea water. The salt is extremely savoury.
July 20, 2009 at 12:41, a local area, Uttabaru, Kasari-machi
089
bottom right : Children sprinkle the savoury salt on watermelons.
July 20, 2009 at 12:55, a local area, Uttabaru, Kasari-machi
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090
“Let’s start a session with everyone who has an instrument!”
July 20, 2009 at 18:12, the market area
091
The only water supply source for about 3,000 people came from a tank. July 20, 2009 at 11:28, the water supply facility.
092
Even during the extreme heat there were cool spots refreshed by the breeze.
July 20, 2009 at 11:36, Amami area
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P.68
In the Moment
The 17th of July. For many who had resided in the Amami Island for more or less a month in preparation for the event, the time had come. Also, for all the parties concerned who had stood by for 4 years the time had come. The day of the opening event began with the opening of the sun stage, and the festivities were to advance non-stop till the total solar eclipse. Everything was as planned and it seemed as nothing would go wrong, but for the day of eclipse when the weather was forecast to cloudy skies and showers. None dared mention this to one another, as all had prayed for clear skies, and one of the staff members emphasized, “It will happen as we have seen it would happen. It has to.”
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093
The staff taking a break.
July 20, 2009 at 19:01, the ‘Moon’ stage
094
left : The chartered boat reaching the island with visitors and artists from Tokyo.
July 20, 2009 at 23:01, Amami Port
095
upper right : Interviewing the participating visitors.
July 20, 2009 at 22:59, Amami Port
096
bottom right : DJ Tsuyoshi, Funky Gong, Andrew Till. DJ Tsuyoshi concerned about the poisonous snakes on the island.
July 20, 2009 at 22:56, Amami Port
098
The sounds of the Amami’s traditional drums opens the way at the ‘Sun’ stage.
July 21, 2009 at 16:35, the ‘Sun’ stage
099
The leader of the drummers, Mr. Nishi.
July 21, 2009 at 16:39, the ‘Sun’ stage
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100
The chief of the ‘Icharyon committee, Mr. Hashiguchi.
July 21, 2009 at 16:42, the ‘Sun’ stage
101/102
left / right : The participating visitors were diverse in expressing themselves. Each and everyone was actually the most significant element in creating the setting of the festival.
July 21, 2009 at 17:51, the ‘Sun’ stage
103
Ikue Asazaki.
July 21, 2009 at 19:18, the ‘Sun’ stage
104
left : The biggest ‘Hachi-gatsu Odori’ folk dance in history made up of 3,000 people in one circle.
July 21, 2009 at 20:14, the ‘Sun’ stage
105
upper right : People joined in dance following others' dance.
July 21, 2009 at 20:15, the ‘Sun’ stage
106
bottom right : Overwhelmed by their first island dance festivities.
July 21, 2009 at 20:18, the ‘Sun’ stage
107/108
upper & bottom : The old and the young dancing with high spirits.
July 21, 2009 at 20:22 / 20:24, the ‘Sun’ stage
109
'Rokucho' Dance started. The stage floor collapsed from the intense pressure of the dancing.
July 21, 2009 at 21:20, the ‘Sun’ stage
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110 / 111
upper & bottom : The players of Amami. The islanders dancing.
July 21, 2009 at 21:24, the ‘Sun’ stage
112 / 113
upper & bottom : Expressions of joy through dance that never change with time.
July 21, 2009 at 21:33, the ‘Sun’ stage
114 / 115 / 116
upper and bottom left / right : A ritual of fire on the beach at midnight. Burning small pieces of wood on the altar to invoke divine help by the chief priest of the Ohmine-Hongu-Tenkawa Daibenzaitensya (Tenkawa Shinto Shrine).
July 22, 2009 at 00:23, the Beach
117
prior page spread : Dachanbo
July 21, 2009 at 21:42, the ‘Sun’ stage
118
upper : Takkyu Ishino
July 22, 2009 at 02:42, the ‘Sun’ stage
119
Ken Ishii
July 22, 2009 at 05:00, the ‘Sun’ stage
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120 / 121 / 122
All through the night and the grounds are lively than ever.
July 22, 2009 at 05:30, the ‘Sun’ stage
123
left : Ree.K
July 22, 2009 at 08:02, the ‘Sun’ stage
124 / 125 / 126
Participating visitors still dancing throughout the morning.
July 22, 2009 at 07:58 / 08:06 / 09:43, the ‘Sun’ stage
127 / 128
The climax.
July 22, 2009 at 09:30, the ‘Sun’ stage
129
System 7
July 22, 2009 at 09:51, the ‘Sun’ stage
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130 / 131
Looking up as the sun began to wane.
July 22, 2009 at 09:57, the ‘Sun’ stage
132 / 133
Gapping mouths of amazement beyond imagination.
July 22, 2009 at 10:00, the ‘Sun’ stage
134
The music was stopped and all gathered in preparation for the main event. There was high hopes and anticipation for the skies to clear.
July 22, 2009 at 10:32, the beach
135
upper left : The skies were too cloudy for the eclipse sunglasses to be of any good.
July 22, 2009 at 10:01, the ‘Sun’ stage
136
bottom left : The far surrounding slowly turn dark.
July 22, 2009 at 10:32, the ‘Sun’ stage
137 / 138
upper & bottom right : During the solar eclipse.
July 22, 2009 at 10:58, the ‘Sun’ stage
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139 / 140
prior page spread : Cheering could be heard from every direction moments before the eclipse.
July 22, 2009 at 10:55, the beach
141
left : At the peak of the eclipse the corona was blocked by the clouded skies and the sun vanished into darkness.
July 22, 2009 at 10:56, the beach
142
upper right : Captivated by the phenomena witnessed at first hand.
July 22, 2009 at 10:57, the beach
143
bottom right : There was a welcoming applause as the sun’s light returned.
July 22, 2009 at 11:03, the beach
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P.104
Next Generation
The responses and impressions moments after the total solar eclipse were diverse. The experience had left some drawn away, many emotional to their friends and lovers, and also those disappointed for not being able to see the sun’s corona during the solar eclipse. With the mass diversity of feelings and interpretations, the music festival resumed once again. Now the tension was relieved from expectations and anxiety. This was a symbol of a new start for the future.
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144
The local newspaper’s special edition on after the total solar eclipse. A bright sun in clear skies was printed instead of the opaque solar eclipse.
July 22, 2009 at 11:56, in front of the head office of the Eclipse Festival
145
An engagement on the day of the eclipse. Many shared in the felicity.
July 22, 2009 at 11:07, the beach
146
A couple who had helped organize the festival had delivered a baby upon returning home.
July 22, 2009 at 11:17, around the 'Sun' stage
147
Eric Mouquet (Deep Forest).
July 22, 2009 at 19:04, the 'Sun' stage
148
The sounds of ‘Deep Forest’ brought back the masses to the ‘Sun’ stage after the solar eclipse.
July 22, 2009 at 19:05, the 'Sun' stage
149
DJ Tsuyoshi.
July 22, 2009 at 23:59, the 'Sun' stage
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150
The Sunpaulo.
July 22, 2009 at 22:25, the 'Sun' stage
151
A storm had hit during the middle of the night. The tents were blown away but the music did not stop, and neither did those who remained dancing. The succession of bad weather that followed was not enough to stop the music.
July 23, 2009 at 01:56, the 'Sun' stage
152
A fire performance by Kamilla Del Sol with friends.
July 23, 2009 at 05:09, the 'Sun' stage
153
Etnica
July 23, 2009 at 05:55, the 'Sun' stage
154
Dancing on a hilltop.
July 24, 2009 at 06:37, a hilltop
155
Looking down at the ‘Moon’ stage from the hilltop.
July 24, 2009 at 06:29, the 'Moon' stage
156
The last morning of the festival.
July 24, 2009 at 07:00, the 'Sun' stage
157/158/159
The last performance on the ‘Sun’ stage by Amamjaubb and Nogera.
July 24, 2009 at 07:43 / 07:27 / 07:13, the 'Sun' stage
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160/161
Sharing the last moments of the music festival.
July 24, 2009 at 07:49, the 'Sun' stage
162
Sensing the peace and quiet resuming on the beach.
July 25, 2009 at 18:48, the beach
163
The staff clearing up the sites.
July 25, 2009 at 18:51, the 'Sun' stage
164
Most extended their stay on the beaches after the music festival had finished.
July 25, 2009 at 19:05, the 'Moon' stage
165
The skies after the solar eclipse that staged a dramatic natural wonder. The next encounter between the sun and moon will be 26 years coming.
July 25, 2009 at 19:29, the beach
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