A collaboration of storytelling and music – Utau Mori

After studying acting at a historic theater company, Mori Utau became a stage actor and launched Mizu no Wa, a theater planning and production company, in 2004. Since 2014, he has also focused on collaborations between "storytelling and music," forming groups with talented artists to work on projects such as "Mizu no Wa Presents Dance and Music," "Storytelling and Music and Meditation Painting NOA," and "Storytelling and Shakuhachi Bamboo Talk." He moved to Kanagawa Prefecture four years ago and is actively working within the prefecture, including a live performance in Sagamihara City on March 1, 2025.

From an encounter with a certain book to the world of "storytelling"

-Please tell us about your activities so far.

I learned the basics of theater at Mori Tokyo Geijutsuza and Zenshinza, and have continued to do so to this day. As I continued to perform, I felt a strong desire to "get closer to the audience and have a more realistic feel." Then, I happened to stop by a bookstore and came across a book of poetry and prose called "Today is a Good Day to Die," written by Nancy Wood while living with Native Americans.

The Native American worldview of coexistence with nature led me to the world of storytelling. Wanting to cherish the sense of distance that allows me to feel the breath of the storyteller, I began storytelling in 2014. Since 2016, I have taken up new subjects such as Akira Saneto's heartwarming original folk tale "Okonjoururi" and the Japanese folk tale "Nezumikyo." I also teach recitation at a private school for the 16th year this year, and teach recitation at facilities.

You've been involved in a wide range of activities for many years.

Mori : I had a connection with Kanagawa Prefecture even before I moved there, and I remember very fondly the performance I had at the Yokohama Yamate Seiyokan Berrick Hall in 2004 as part of the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Port of Yokohama. We were the first to perform a play in that space.

Collaboration with various genres

-Utau's stage performances are characterized by storytelling and collaborations with artists from various genres.

Mori: I have formed several units. First, there is the live performance "NOA", a two-person gathering with Nobuko A. Huslage, a meditation artist (meditation painter) living in Germany. Since it is art born from meditation, everything depends on the performance. I don't know how it will end until that moment! Since music is essential in the sessions, we invite guest musicians such as Irish harp, guitar, vocal improvisation, shakuhachi, and blues harp, and we create a one-of-a-kind stage with everyone, including the audience.

And then there's the unit "Chikuwa," which recently performed in Sagamihara. It all started with my storytelling and the connection with the shakuhachi player, Zenju Kazama, but with the addition of the young Tsugaru shamisen player, Chiaki Kondo, the sound has become more profound.

-The live show the other day was wonderful. The name "Chikuwa" is also very familiar.

Thank you Mori . I was very happy to perform at my first local concert. "Take" (bamboo) represents the shakuhachi flute, and "Hanashi" (story) represents storytelling!

Future activities

Mori : JAXA Sagamihara Campus and Sagamihara City Museum Planetarium. The planetarium is currently under renovation, but I would like to collaborate with a performance and "narration" someday. I also recommend the Kita-Kamakura Yoh Yoshiaki Museum of Art. Yoh Yoshiaki's picture books are featured in the readings we hold when we visit facilities. The illustrations are soft and encouraging, so please give them a read. I've only been in Kanagawa Prefecture for four years, so I'd like to continue exploring.

-Finally, please tell us what challenges you would like to take on in your hometown of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Mori : First of all, I would like to increase the number of performances of "Bamboo Story" in Kanagawa Prefecture, and I am thinking of re-staging "Okonjoururi" and "Nezumikyo" that were performed in March in the fall. At the same time, I would like to prepare so that everyone in Kanagawa Prefecture can get to know the performance of storytelling, music, and meditation painting NOA. I would like more people to come and see the play. I would also like to actively do reading activities at facilities if there is an opportunity.

-Thank you very much. I'm looking forward to your future activities!

We are excited to see more of Mori Utau's activities in Kanagawa Prefecture. Check out his official website for the latest information!

Forest Singing
Official website: here