“BENTEN”, a roaming art night event set in the Kabukicho area, was held over three nights (two of which were all-night). The title “BENTEN” is derived from Kabukicho Park and Kabukicho Benzaiten, sacred sites that have been protected within the Kabukicho district. The event was held for the first time this year, and it is planned to be held annually from now on.
Shinjuku’s Kabukicho has continued to be a vibrant melting pot of popular culture, brimming with diversity since the post-war reconstruction era, and has long been a place where avant-garde artists have been active. “BENTEN 2024” sought to connect the newly established art spaces in Kabukicho and the public sphere, making visible the fact that the Kabukicho area has already established itself as a unique art district.
The artistic director was Chim↑Pom from Smappa!Group, a group that has been active in Kabukicho for many years. The program was selected with the essence of Shinjuku and Kabukicho’s artistic context in mind, based on the concepts of “Art is in the pARTy,” “Peace,” and “Art/Entertainment.” The event featured a solo exhibition and performance by Chen Tianzhuo, regarded as a leader of the Chinese millennial generation, a club event by GLOBAL HEARTS, music events such as DOMMUNE and folk performances, theater and performances by Chiharu Shinoda and Ei Arakawa-Nash, as well as an alleyway project “A-Yoko” by artists including Makoto Aida. A total of 65 artists participated in the event.