WOW's original work “BAKERU” began with the “Hare to Ke Exhibition” held in 2017. It has since expanded nationally and internationally with exhibitions such as “WOW Animates the World,” “BAKERU: Transforming Spirits,” and “Encountering Transformations From Around the World.” Starting in 2018, we have been touring elementary schools in Japan as part of the Agency for Cultural Affairs' “Comprehensive Support Program for Performing Arts (School Touring Performances),” under the name “BAKERU School.” To date, we have visited a total of 37 schools and have received positive feedback from schools and children. This project has been accepted by the Agency for Cultural Affairs for the next year as well, and is now accepting applications from schools in Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, and Akita prefectures. BAKERU School Classes The traveling performance classes will be conducted over one or two days, depending on the number of students. Day 1: Learning about local performing arts and making “BAKERU” masks Observing a folk entertainment performance We will discuss the local characteristics and the direction of the classes in advance, and present performances by local traditional performing arts groups tailored to the school where the event will be held. Additionally, we will provide lectures on traditional performing arts. Mask-making workshop Participants will design their own masks for the “BAKERU” experience using origami and magic markers. Day 2: The other side of technology and the "BAKERU" experience Introducing digital art technology The programming technology used in "BAKERU" will be introduced. Examples of how programming is used in society will also be explained in a way that is easy to understand. Experiencing “BAKERU” Wearing the masks they made in the workshop, participants will experience the digital art work “BAKERU.” Knowing the culture and customs of the land in which they live will form part of their identity as they grow up and become a foundation for learning about other countries in today's globalized world. Through a series of workshops, this program aims to nurture children's interest in tradition, sensibility, and technology. Schools interested in implementing this program are requested to apply after checking the official website of the “Promoting the Development of Children through Cultural Arts Project.” Comprehensive Support Program for Performing Arts (School Touring Performances) in 2025 Application deadline: 23:59, January 24, 2025 (Fri.) Implementation period: 2025 (specific dates to be determined upon consultation) Official website: CHECK ─ About “BAKERU School” ─ The project was selected under the newly established media arts category of the Agency for Cultural Affairs' “Comprehensive Support Program for Performing Arts (School Touring Performances).” This program aims to create opportunities for all children, who will bear the future, to cultivate rich sensibilities by conducting touring performances by top-level cultural and artistic groups at elementary and junior high schools across the country. It also seeks to improve students' ability to appreciate art and to promote the elimination of cultural regional disparities. Recording from 2023▶︎ PLAY MOVIE Report article “BAKERU School - Autumn 2023, Miyagi Tsukidate Elementary School”▶︎ READ