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Megastar Katy Perry to Join 100 Performers with Disabilities at TCF THE CONCERT 2022 on November 19-20 (2) [2022年09月27日（Tue）]
 Speaking at a press conference on September 7, 2022, to announce The Nippon Foundation’s decision to present “True Colors Festival (TCF) THE CONCERT 2022” at Tokyo Garden Theater on November 19-20. At the September 7 press conference to announce Ms. Katy Perry as a special guest at “True Colors Festival (TCF) THE CONCERT 2022” set for November 19-20 in Tokyo, I said it is no exaggeration that the concert is the “Performing Arts Paralympics,” adding: “It will be the world’s largest concert created with artists with disabilities. The title includes the words ‘One World One Family,’ which expresses the philosophy that we at The Nippon Foundation hold dear in our activities.” “Performing arts have the power to appeal directly to the senses, something that is difficult to convey in words. As an organizer, nothing would make me happier than for you to think about people who have different characteristics and personalities from your own and find it interesting that we live together in this world,” I added. Mr. Ichiro Kabasawa, managing director of The Nippon Foundation and senior executive producer of TCF THE CONCERT 2022, said: “Singers, dancers and performers have each turned what is considered by the public as a disability into their own strong individual personality. 100 of the world’s top performers will gather in Tokyo to transmit a new sense of values from Japan to the world.” “You will be surprised, you will laugh, you will be in tears, and at the end you will go home feeling enriched. I promise you that kind of experience,” he added. Mr. Sidney Tan, TCF THE CONCERT 2022 executive producer, said: “Once we let go of the very idea of ‘limitation’ within us, we can experience incredible talents and abilities that will amaze us,” adding: “In addition to showing a great performance at the concert, I wanted to give a glimpse into the amazing lives of the artists. I am looking forward to the time when I feel like I am part of One World One Family.” Mr. Harry Sugiyama, general emcee of THE CONCERT 2022, asked: “Beyond the emotional depths of the artists’ performance, the question may come to mind: Are we as Japanese able to create a diverse society? Are we accepting people of all races, genders, ages, and faiths, and maximizing the potential of everyone? “I hope that this two-day event will be a time for as many people as possible to be proud of their own ‘True Colors’, and to appreciate that it is natural to accept others’ ‘True Colors’ too." Mr. Kenta Kambara, the sole performer attending the press conference, noted he was invited to take the stage at TCF THE CONCERT in 2019, but the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “So, I’m excited that the time has finally come after three years!” Mr. Hiromasa Ototake, TCF ambassador since 2019, who was born with a congenital limb disorder and has used a wheelchair since childhood, said: “I believe that entertainment and the performing arts can be a powerful force in moving society without even needing an explanation to convey diversity. I think it’s wonderful that people who are not interested in diversity but who like dance, music, and musicals can be awakened to new values by experiencing the True Colors Festival.” Another TCF ambassador, ryuchell, known as one of key influential figures for the genderless fashion subculture, said: “When I first became an ambassador, I created a T-shirt with the concept of ‘Believe in your TRUE COLOR’ with the message that everyone should recognize their own colors. People tend to think that being flashy is your personality, but I think it’s okay to have a variety of colors that are unique to you, whether it’s white, black, or colorful. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the different colors from around the world at this concert.” Details on performers and tickets can be found on the official website. (End)  With True Colors Festival ambassador ryuchell, known as one of key influential figures in the genderless fashion subculture.  Dancer Mr. Kenta Kambara, the sole performer attending the press conference.  From left, True Colors Festival ambassadors Mr. Hiromasa Ototake, ryuchell and Mr. Harry Sugiyama, general emcee of TCF THE CONCERT 2022. |