NON recited a poem praying for peace at the “Tohoku Youth Orchestra Concert 2026.” She wore a “camellia corsage” on her chest, made from upcycled fabric from a costume designed by director Ryuichi Sakamoto.
NON participated as a narrator at the “Tohoku Youth Orchestra Concert 2026,” held on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
At the request of Sayuri Yoshinaga, she recited a poem imbued with prayers for peace.
Together with the members of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra, conductor Hisao Yanagisawa, and emcee Mari Watanabe, she carried Director Ryuichi Sakamoto’s passionate vision forward into the future.
■ Director Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Costume Becomes a “Camellia Corsage.” Wearing His Spirit, She Takes the Stage
On stage that day, NON, conductor Hisao Yanagisawa, and host Mari Watanabe were adorned with beautiful corsages featuring the “camellia flower,” a motif deeply connected to Tohoku.
In fact, these corsages were created through upcycling of costumes worn by Director Ryuichi Sakamoto during his lifetime, provided by the Ryuichi Sakamoto Estate, which has once again expressed its support for the “OUI OU” initiative.
The aim is to give tangible form to Director Sakamoto’s intentions, presence, and memory, and to pass them on to the next generation.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
■ About “OUI OU”
Produced by NON, the concept behind “OUI OU” is “always together with your favorite artists” and “life with your favorite artists.”
Since its launch in 2022, the project has unveiled art collaborations with Kiyoshiro Imawano, Reiichi Nakai, and Char.
For this project, under the direction of OUI OU and in collaboration with Tokyo-based designer KEISUKEYOSHIDA, costumes worn by Ryuichi Sakamoto have been upcycled into artworks.
The project aims to create artworks that allow people to feel Sakamoto’s spirit, presence, and memories up close, passing them on to future generations.
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OUI OU Official Website https://ouiou.jp/
■ The “OUI OU” × Ryuichi Sakamoto project will launch next spring.
When we approached the management team—who carry on the legacy of Ryuichi Sakamoto, a long-time advocate for environmental issues—with an offer for “OUI OU,” they deeply resonated with the project’s upcycling philosophy and agreed to actively consider making it a reality.
This project came to fruition thanks to the Ryuichi Sakamoto Estate’s renewed endorsement of the “OUI OU” initiative and their generous donation of costumes.
OUI OU is built on the concepts of “Always with Your Favorite Artist” and “Life with Your Favorite.”
Through this endeavor—which transforms the stories embedded in the costumes into wearable art—we aim to make Mr. Sakamoto’s intentions, presence, and memories tangible and to pass them on to the next generation.
The project is currently underway, with a full launch scheduled for spring 2027.
