“THU JAPAN 2023” will be held in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture! Japan's first creative retreat with a storytelling theme

The first creative retreat* event in Japan “THU JAPAN 2023 (#THUJAPAN)” will be held in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture from September 20th (Wednesday) to September 23rd (Saturday)! Minions director Kyle Balda, Perfect Blue screenwriter Sadayuki Murai, Plan 75 director Chie Hayakawa, and the writer, director, and executive producer of HBO's Emmy-nominated Insecure. The world's most innovative and influential storytellers, including Amy Aniobi, will gather as SENSEI instructors! This event will bring new discoveries and awareness to people working in the creative industry, including video, and those who aspire to work in that industry!

*: What is a retreat? A retreat is a way to spend a few days away from your familiar surroundings to heal your mind and body tired from work and relationships. Unlike a trip where the purpose is sightseeing, the purpose is to forget about everyday life and refresh yourself. A new style of travel and training camps that is popular in Europe and America.

“THU JAPAN 2023 (#THUJAPAN)” is a completely new creative retreat. THU, which originated in Europe, has the mission of giving creators "inspiration" and "the power to move forward," and opening the door to the creative world.Every year, creators from all over the world "experience" creativity for several days. ``This is a global event. While the program focuses on lectures and discussions by famous creators and artists, the participants take center stage, meeting and exchanging ideas, and sometimes deepening their friendships over drinks. This is an event where you can feel the creative spirit in your body. “THU JAPAN 2023 (#THUJAPAN)”, which was held for the first time in Japan, focuses on the power of “storytelling” to tell and convey stories. Our aim is to inspire, educate and innovate by inviting SENSEI from all walks of life to experience the program with participants.

“THU JAPAN 2023” event overview

■Theme:

A storytelling-themed retreat

■Venue:

Hotel Allore (5-1 Shibayamacho, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, 922-0402)

■Period:

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - Saturday, September 23, 2023 *Only the opening ceremony will be held on the 20th

■Participants:

Artists, storytellers in various fields such as movies, screenplays, The Game, architecture, etc./People who want to deepen their learning in storytelling/People who are interested in creative thinking.

■Participation fee (meals included):

125,000 yen *Includes full access to all activities.

■Where to purchase tickets:

https://www.trojan-unicorn.com/ja/bootcamps/thu-japan

■Lunch & Dinner:

At THU JAPAN 2023, we will eat together like family. Dinner and lunch will be provided during the event period from September 20th to 23rd (dinner only will be served on the 20th). *Please note that breakfast is only available to those staying at Hotel Allore.

■Accommodation:

In order to immerse yourself in the retreat, we recommend staying at Hotel Allore, the venue for "THU JAPAN 2023." *Please check the official website for application and details.

■Official website/SNS:

THU JAPAN:

https://www.trojan-unicorn.com/ja/bootcamps/thu-japan

Official video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OalOZspvkXM&t=1s

Instagram:

@thu_japan

SENSEI (lecturer) introduction

Kyle Balda

A Bafta Award-nominated long-form animation director who has been active in the animation industry for 30 years, mainly at Illumination Entertainment and Pixar Animation Studios. At Pixar, he worked on ``A Bug's Life'' and ``Monsters, Inc.,'' and was the animation director on ``Toy Story 2.'' He also co-directed The Lorax, Minions, Despicable Me 3, Minions, and Minions Fever.

Sadayuki Murai

Screenwriter. Professor in the Anime and Manga Department at Kaishi Sensho University. Winner of the 6th Fuji Television Young Scenario Award. Representative works include scripts for the movies ``PERFECT BLUE'' and ``Sennen Girl'' (directed by Satoshi Kon), ``Steam Boy'' and ``Mushishi'' (directed by Katsuhiro Otomo), and the TV anime ``Mourou no Hako'', ``Natsume Yujincho'', and ``Natsume Yujincho''. His works include series such as "Knights of Sidonia" and "Kaina of the Great Snow Sea," and he continues to engage in a wide range of creative activities, both in live-action and animation.

Amy Aniobi

Screenwriter, director, executive producer. Originally from North Texas, The Graduate from Stanford University and UCLA. He was the writer, director, and executive producer of HBO's Emmy-nominated comedy Insecure, starring Issa Rae. My hobbies are traveling, making cookies, and drinking whisky.

Chie Hayakawa

Film director. Directed part of the omnibus film ``Ten Years Japan'' (18). His first full-length film, ``PLAN 75'' (22), which reconstructed the story from the short story, was officially submitted to the ``Un Certain Regard'' section of the 75th Cannes Film Festival, and won the special Camera d'Or award given to new directors. received.

For other latest information on SENSEI (instructors), please visit the website!

https://www.trojan-unicorn.com/ja/bootcamps/thu-japan

Why “story”?

The theme of “THU JAPAN 2023 (#THUJAPAN)” is “Storytelling,” a method of telling and telling stories. In this era of information overload and content saturation, the technology of storytelling is essential for the seeds of ideas to germinate and blossom. Storytelling is the greatest power that humans have, as it moves people's feelings and involves others. Storytelling is used not only in writing scripts but also in business, food, and politics. This event aims to encourage participants to gain awareness and multifaceted perspectives by exchanging and listening carefully to each other's stories. The speakers will be master storytellers from a wide variety of fields. We capture stories from a wide range of people, including screenwriters involved in movies, as well as chefs and musicians. It will be a time where you can gain a new perspective on things while relaxing to the core in a natural environment.

Why “Kaga City”?

The setting is Kaga City, a city where Japan's proud traditions and cultures intersect. Kaga City is a city that thrives on nature, food, culture, craftsmanship, and traditional art, and through THU, we can interact with creators and artists from a wide range of nationalities and diverse backgrounds, creating new chemical reactions. I'm sure it will come out. THU believes that Kaga City is a creative hub with the conditions to revitalize the city through the power of art. In this city, which is physically and mentally distant from the city center, I expect that creativity will be fully demonstrated and contribute to the development of the city. “THU JAPAN 2023” will bring new perspectives and inspiration to the creative community by serving as a guide connecting Japan and the world, and will also allow Japanese creators to have a relative relationship through exchanges with overseas creators. This will be a great opportunity to understand your position. It is our hope that through this event, we will bring new possibilities and stimulation to the creative lives of participants in Japan and abroad.

Experience coverage of “THU JAPAN 2023” at CINEMORE! We are planning to publish reports such as interviews with SENSEI (lecturers). looking forward to!