Column

As we stand here amidst the electrifying atmosphere of SABOTAGE X, we can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that brought us to this moment. It’s a bittersweet feeling, as we bid farewell to an era while eagerly anticipating the dawn of an uncertain but promising future.

Ten years ago, SABOTAGE was just a seed of an idea, a small one-day event with a single stage. Little did we know back then, that this humble beginning would evolve into the breathtaking spectacle that we’re experiencing today. The road has been long and filled with countless ups and downs, but it’s precisely those challenges that have fueled our determination to make SABOTAGE X an unforgettable event.

SABOTAGE has always been more than just a festival. It’s been a mission, a beacon of creativity, a platform for unconventional artists and musicians to come together and create experiences that transcend the boundaries of traditional festivals. Over the past decade, SABOTAGE has not only survived but thrived, becoming a celebrated part of our lives.

As we bid adieu to this remarkable era, there’s a profound sense of gratitude in our hearts. We’ve watched SABOTAGE evolve, grow, and mature, just as we’ve evolved alongside it. The memories of previous editions are etched in our minds, each one a unique chapter in our collective history. From the exhilarating performances to the immersive art installations, SABOTAGE has offered a myriad of experiences that have left an indelible mark on our souls.

The artists and musicians who have graced our stages have brought their unique talents and perspectives, expanding our horizons and challenging our preconceptions. It’s been a space where creativity knows no bounds, where the avant-garde is celebrated, and where collaborations and connections are born.

But as we bid farewell to SABOTAGE X, we also look ahead to an uncertain future. The world is ever-changing, and the challenges we face are evolving. However, we’re not stepping into the unknown blindly; we carry with us the lessons learned, the experiences gained, and the indomitable spirit that SABOTAGE has cultivated within us.

The end of SABOTAGE X marks the beginning of a new chapter, and this transition is filled with promise and excitement. We will continue to explore uncharted territories, push the boundaries of art and music, and create experiences that inspire and astonish. The SABOTAGE community remains as vibrant as ever, bound by a shared love for the extraordinary and a commitment to forging a path forward.

The spirit of SABOTAGE will live on, not just in our memories but in the creative endeavors, friendships, and connections that it has fostered. It has been a decade of extraordinary moments, and now we embark on a journey towards even more extraordinary possibilities.

As the sun sets on SABOTAGE X, we look to the horizon with hope and anticipation. We are ready to embrace the uncertainty, to create, to collaborate, and to celebrate the unorthodox.

By 2025, the vision of SABOTAGE is to establish a cultural hub that will serve as a permanent space for art and music. Our determination remains unwavering; we’re channeling all our energy towards forging a more sustainable tomorrow. This entails breaking free from the constraints of a mere three-day schedule and instead, constructing a comprehensive year-round program. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a vibrant community that engages in continual learning, whether on a daily or weekly basis. While it may signify the conclusion of one era, it also marks the commencement of a future that is bound to be even more radiant and unpredictable.

For our milestone edition, we sought to pay tribute to the artists who have resonated deeply with our audiences. This is why we’ve once again extended our warmest invitation to Kyoka and Mieko Suzuki, aiming to recreate the two most memorable moments from the past years. Over the past three years, our admiration for Japanese artists has flourished, encompassing talents from Hiroko-Hacci, So and Soichi Terada. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for the immense support we’ve received from the EU-Japan Fest Japan Committee since our inception. It fills us with warmth, and we eagerly anticipate our visit to Japan to learn from our esteemed partners and foster connections for our future cultural space. We aspire to open this space with the unwavering support and encouragement of EU-Japan Fest Japan Committee, uniting our cultures under one roof.