ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 日本語
YOSHIMITSU KUSHIDA
Dancer / Choreographer / Director
Artistic Director of Dance Company Lasta
Born in 1980 in Okayama, Japan. Yoshimitsu Kushida was a founding member (2007-2012) of
Noism, Japan's first resident professional dance company, where he performed in 10 cities
across 7 countries and received the prestigious 8th Asahi Performing Arts Awards (Dance
Award).
In 2013, he founded Dance Company Lasta, creating nearly 30 original works to date. In 2025, he achieved international acclaim for his solo production at the historic The Coronet Theatre in London, a co-production that established his standing in the global performing arts scene. His signature style seamlessly integrates live performance with cinematic expression, leading to multiple awards at international film festivals across Europe.
【International Projects & Global Recognition】
- 2025 Solo Production "NARAKU" in London: Invited by the prestigious The Coronet Theatre for a co-production. He received enthusiastic support and high artistic acclaim from local media and critics.
- International Film Awards (2024): His films Succession and NARAKU swept awards
across major European festivals:
- Winner (Best Film/Award): Germany (Mannheim), Italy (Venice), Spain (Creator X), Sweden (SIFF).
- Top 3 Best Art Film: Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (Greece).
- Official Selection / Semi-Finalist: London (Lonely Wolf), Paris, and Canada.
【Major Choreographic Works & Stage Awards】
- "The Modern Noh Plays" (World Premiere): Choreographed Aoi no Ue (Lady Aoi) based on Yukio Mishima's masterpiece for Yamato City Ballet (January 2026).
- Roppongi Art Night (2023, 2025): Director and Choreographer for main programs at Roppongi Hills Arena, Tokyo.
- Venue Highlights: New National Theatre Tokyo (Opera House), KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theatre, Okayama Art Creative Theater (Halenowa).
- Competitions:
- New Prague Dance Festival (Czech Republic): 1st Place in both Choreography and Contemporary Dance categories.
- 49th Saitama All Japan Dance Competition: 1st Place (Governor of Saitama Award) in Creative Dance.
【Current & Upcoming Activities】
- Jan 2026: Selected as one of Japan’s five representative choreographers for the "Shin-Ryutokai" roundtable hosted by Noism.
- May 2026: Solo screening of the film NARAKU at EuroSpace (EuroLive) in Shibuya, Tokyo.
- Oct 2026: Upcoming site-specific performance at the historic Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art (Hikari-no-ma Hall).
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Dance Company Lasta
“Inheriting Memories, Creating the Unknown: A Dance Company Challenging the World”
Founded in 2013 under the artistic direction of Yoshimitsu Kushida, Tokyo-based Dance Company Lasta has consistently pursued the "pinnacle of collective physical expression," premiering over 30 original stage works to date.
Our core theme is "Succession" (Keisho). We inherit the will and culture cultivated by our predecessors into the modern body, seeking the raw energy of the "here and now" where tradition and innovation intersect. Our expression extends beyond the confines of the theater, expanding into urban spaces, historical landmarks, and cinematic works that condense profound spirituality, constantly exploring ways of art that resonate with people worldwide.
In addition to performances at major theaters in Japan, our activities have reached international audiences in London, the Czech Republic, Germany, and beyond. In 2024, our unique sensibilities and artistic expressions were highly acclaimed at international arts festivals across seven European countries. Following the success of our 2025 solo performance at THE CORONET THEATRE in London, we continue to lead the Japanese dance scene, creating new artistic values that pave the way for the next generation.