The project also references Japanese history and culture, Raku-sho and Seki-ga from the medieval Japanese Edo period. “Raku-sho, whose literal translation is dropped writing, is a form of political satire that criticizes the authorities and was usually written on a paper and dropped or thrown on the streets anonymously. Seki-ga, whose literal translation is seat painting, is a form of impromptu painting performance that was often done as entertainment in front of guests and patrons at a drinking party. Both Raku-sho and Seki-ga had an affinity with townspeople culture in Edo, in which the street spirit of the time was embedded” explains Oyama.

Oyama believes that Raku-sho is a precedent of street art from Japan, while Seki-ga is connected to entertainments at dinner events or parties. The exhibition title combines these two references together. “The association here is not very academic” says Oyama. “But our aim is to play around and recontextualize these ideas and forms to expand the imaginative cultural sphere. The playfulness is, as some of you may have already realized, best expressed in the project title Rock Show, Sick I Go, which stands for nothing by itself, but a punning for Raku-sho and Seki-ga.”

A special culinary menu helmed by Hiroki Odo and his team dishes on the opening night, live painting performance will be conducted by Oyama along with special dishes by Odo. 粋”(iki), this is not a typical nostalgia to the past. will feature two iconic Chef Odo, whose extensive experience with kaiseki cuisine, from the Edo era; Unagi and Soba. However, reinterprets the essence of “ the zeitgeist of Edo, in contemporary framework and creates a sophisticated appearance of simplicity, while taking a bite will simply show how complex and carefully crafted the flavor and textures are. In Chef Odo’s words, it is his “Kodawari”, or his pursuit, dedication, and commitment to his craft with everything he creates. With anything Chef Odo prepares, there is always a kaiseki-style depth and character.