It has been a great honour for IATC Japan to host three in-person international events. Most recently, in 2023, we hosted the Executive Committee in Tokyo and Toga—the home ground of 2020 Thalia Prize winner, Tadashi Suzuki. We are also proud about organising a series of online international panels TransForum during the challenging COVID years.

IATC Japan has sent delegates to the Executive Committee consistently since 2008. I am the third in line to serve, beginning my term in 2021. However, my commitment predates my current role; I have attended numerous IATC events, occasionally assisting my Japanese predecessors in ExCom meetings. I have also worked for Critical Stages since its launch in 2009, twice serving as a Special Topic editor.

As a full ExCom member, it has been a privilege to collaborate with brilliant international colleagues. Together, we have revised the IATC statutes. As coordinator, I am grateful to the members of the latest Thalia Prize committee. And engaging in vital IATC conferences with young colleagues was always more than rewarding.

Today, the political environment surrounding the theatre arts is becoming increasingly precarious. Beyond dwindling subsidies, theatre faces blatant pressure and manipulation from authoritarian leaders and their adherents. They act as if critics and artists are no longer relevant—as if only they can truly represent ‘the people.’

We must reclaim our position. I believe theatre can still rightfully represent people from all walks of life, enabling them to share rather than divide. It was a privilege to support President Jeffrey Eric Jenkins in issuing critical statements to defend freedom of artistic expression worldwide. I am eager to continue this mission as Japan’s delegate to the new ExCom board.