Column

１．What I felt through delivering an online live streaming 

I usually read poems at places where there are audiences, but this time audiences were not at a venue because of concerns towards novel coronavirus.
Normally, content of poems changes in response to audiences’ reactions, but this time the content became more introspective due to the absence of them. This circumstance made me create poems through facing myself deeply. I felt that this different situation, i.e. delivering reading performances without audiences expanded ranges of expressions. I think my performance facing myself thoroughly became the one questioning people behind windows “what is myself?” and “what are languages ?”.

２．Achievements and issues acquired through online live streaming 

The following three achievements were obtained.

１. This attempt gave people who do not usually touch poetry a chance to touch poetry.
I could gain more people watching my performances than usual (usually the number of audiences for poetry readings is at most dozens).

２. Despite of a situation where artistic expressions are being regulated due to influences of the coronavirus, I could show what a poet can do. I would be happy if my attempt brought positive influences on the society even if it was small. 

３. Performing in an unusual situation expanded the possibilities in my expressions and enabled me to discover something new in my works. 

There were two issues as follows.

１. Because I was not accustomed to do live streamings, setting a URL for my performance was delayed and it confused my audiences. 

２. Efforts would be needed to inform people interested in arts and culture of a new format “NO TEXT” (improvised reading performance without texts), because this style has not been so familiar yet.  

３．Utilization and development of online streamings in further activities

As I suggested above, online activities have possibilities widening expressions in works. I would like to brush up my expressions through continuously delivering performances online. Also, under current situation with concerns towards the novel coronavirus, i.e. our everyday lives totally different than usual, artistic expressions need to be accustomed to it. I would like to create an environment which enables people to appreciate performances online if our customs visiting lives and theatres are deprived.
In addition, I would be able to solve problems listed above like a delay in setting the URL and familiarity of performances itself through continuing online activities.
To sum up topics above, I would like to continue my artistic activities through live streamings. As for the timing and the content, I would like to decide them in accordance to circumstances.

<Program> 

Joh Tachibana – NO TEXT IN Kichi

• Date: 4 Apr. 2020 
• Content: Joh Tachibana (poet) Reads Poetry Improvised. Live distribution of improvisational poems.
• Promotion Tool: Facebook, Twitter, LINE 
• Distribution Tool: YouTube
• Twists to get attention and reactions from audiences:
  In cooperation with the venue – Café&Bar KICHI, I asked guests at the cafe to watch my performance. Also, I brought a drink served at the cafe to make lively atmosphere and familiarity to the venue. 
• The number of views:
  202（as of 5 Apr. 2020）