Mayor’s Greeting

This marks the remarkable fifteenth edition of Kyoto Experiment, the performing arts festival that features exciting artists from Japan and around the world. I am delighted that this continually ambitious experiment in cutting-edge artistic expression is taking place yet again this year. I would like to convey my deep gratitude and respect to Mayumi Yamamoto, the chair of the executive committee, as well as everyone else involved in the festival for all their tireless efforts.

The core concept behind the 2024 festival is ētto ētto. This is an everyday Japanese phrase (akin to “um” or “er” in English) that we use to express hesitation when trying to think or remember something. Renowned for its rich history and culture, Kyoto is a place where past, present, and future all coexist. As such, expectations are running high for the quintessentially Kyoto forms of expression made possible by the sophisticated sensibilities of the participating artists. Visitors to the festival will surely enjoy every moment of the unique encounters that await.

Through a policy of cherishing the old and pioneering the new, our city values tradition while serving as a place for multitalented people to gather, leading to economic recovery that undergirds culture as well as solutions for various social challenges. We are striving to the best of our ability to realize Kyoto as an outstanding capital of culture. I hope we can continue to receive your generous support and cooperation with our endeavors.

Koji Matsui
Mayor of Kyoto