Creative Team Introduction

Mieko Kawakami (Book Writer): Tokyo-based international best-selling novelist whose works have been translated into more than 20 languages.

Mieko Kawakami is celebrated as one of Japan’s most influential and groundbreaking literary voices, a fierce and provocative force in contemporary literature. Her writing is renowned for its poetic qualities and its profound insights into the female body, ethical dilemmas, and the complexities of modern society. Her ability to challenge societal norms, especially those surrounding womanhood and identity, has made her a beacon of feminist literature worldwide.

Her novel Breasts and Eggs—a powerful exploration of womanhood—catapulted her to international fame, sparking conversations that transcend cultural and geographic boundaries. Japanese author Haruki Murakami, a literary giant in his own right, has praised Kawakami as his favorite young novelist, describing her writing as "ceaselessly growing and evolving." This recognition, alongside numerous accolades like the Akutagawa Prize, underscores her impact as a writer who not only disrupts and redefines literary traditions but also empowers a new generation of female writers and thinkers.

New York Times Article | New Yorker Article

Ben Gibbard (Composer & Lyricist): Seattle-based recording artist of the internationally recognized bands, Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service.

Ben Gibbard is an internationally celebrated musician, songwriter, and storyteller, best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the Grammy-nominated band Death Cab for Cutie. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Gibbard has garnered critical acclaim for his emotionally resonant compositions and evocative storytelling, which have captivated audiences worldwide. His ability to weave deeply personal narratives into universally relatable themes underscores his artistic brilliance and global appeal.

Death Cab albums such as Plans, Narrow Stairs, and Kintsugi have earned both critical and commercial success, with chart-topping singles including "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" becoming timeless anthems of introspection and connection. Beyond Death Cab for Cutie, Gibbard’s achievements with The Postal Service further highlight his versatility. The band’s debut album, Give Up, featuring iconic tracks like "Such Great Heights" and "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight," was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards, cementing his innovative contributions to the indie pop genre.

As a child, Ben lived in Japan while his father served in the Navy. This formative experience left an indelible mark on his artistic perspective and appreciation for Japanese culture. Ben’s commitment to building cultural bridges is reflected in Death Cab for Cutie’s numerous tours in Japan. The 2015 Death Cab for Cutie album named Kintsugi takes its name from a Japanese philosophy that embodies themes of healing, transformation, and imperfection.

Jennifer Jancuska (Director & Choreographer): Visionary theatre-maker leading BringAbout Development, with a foundation of Broadway tenure and excellence.

Jennifer Jancuska is the recipient of the 2024-25 Japan-US Creative Fellowship, Jerome Robbins “Stories That Move” Residency, and CUNY Dance Initiative Fellowship. She has been named to the 2024 “Women to Watch on Broadway” list by The Broadway Women’s Fund. Her work has been commissioned and presented by The Old Globe, Berkeley Rep, Ars Nova, Little Island, Madison Square Garden, Goodspeed, The Drama League, The Skirball Center, Trinity Rep, and Universal Theatrical Group, among others. 

Jennifer is the Founding Artistic Director of BringAbout Development. She launched BringAbout with BC Beat, a semi-annual event recognized by The New York Times as the place to “reimagine the possibilities for dance in musical theater.” Out of this foundation grew BringAbout Studio Residencies, where, as a director and choreographer, she has collaborated with more than 40 award-winning writers, composers, and performing artists—including Broadway’s Benjamin Velez, Joel Perez, Pig Pen Theatre Company, Zoe Sarnak, Taylor Iman Jones, and more—pioneering new methods of integrating dance as a formative tool in the development of musicals and plays.

Alongside a career of creating new work, Jennifer has worked on Broadway as the Resident Choreographer and Dance Supervisor of “Hamilton” for seven years. She is a graduate of Cornell University and has studied, taught, and created new work in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, London, Rio, Paris, and Shanghai. She loves rock climbing, hiking, and surfing around the globe and at home in Brooklyn with her family.

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Fumi Tanakadate (Japanese Arranger):

Tanakadate is a distinguished composer and performer, known for her expertise in taiko drumming, Japanese flute, and classical piano. For over ten years, she has been mentored by the acclaimed, world-renowned taiko drummer Kaoru Watanabe, who remains a guiding influence in her life and strongly believes in her ability to transcend traditional composition, fostering contemporary collaborations that are inspiring, inclusive, and unlike anything we've experienced before. Tanakadate's diverse range of performance experiences includes collaborations with artists like Watanabe and performances at prestigious venues such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music and The Met Gala. Her unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds, combined with her innovative compositions, makes her a vital contributor to Kaze No Denwa. Additionally, she is an experienced educator, currently serving as a Visiting Instructor in Music at Wesleyan University. She is originally from the Iwate Prefecture.

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Aya Ogawa (Translator & Dramaturg):

Ogawa, a talented translator known for her translations of theatrical works by Japanese writers such as Toshiki Okada, Yudai Kamisato, Takeshi Kawamura, Yoji Sakate and Satoko Ichihara. Aya's expertise adds a unique and dynamic perspective to the project.

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