Staff Editor’s Note
“Breakthrough Journey” became the new legacy of EXPO2025
Last summer, ArtsJP, the official tabloid newspaper of the Japan Cultural Expo, interviewed Kyoko Suzuki, the deputy director of Big-i and producer of “Breakthrough Journey.” The dance drama was later performed at the Shining Hat, EXPO Hall, during the final week of EXPO 2025—marking the culmination of years of preparation and collaboration.
The Japan Cultural Expo staff covered this inspiring performance and spoke with those involved to share the passion and stories behind the stage.
After the performance ended, the applause that wouldn't stop filled the venue. During the curtain call, the performers were welcomed with a standing ovation, and everyone was overcome with joy and emotion. Beyond the performers’ skill and expressiveness, the hall overflowed with a shared sense of warmth and emotional release. The audience shared a sense of accomplishment with performers, as if they had crossed the finish line together.
This powerfully moving, exquisitely delicate, and profoundly thought-provoking production features a total of 95 performers, about 25% of whom participated while living with some form of disability. This project began with auditions in 2020, and this performance at EXPO 2025 was the grand finale. Dancers selected through auditions from 11 different countries and regions gathered on the stage for the first time, regardless of their disability status, nationality, age, gender, or whether they were professional or amateur. The road to this day, including the pandemic, truly felt like a breakthrough journey.
Following the final performance, all the project members were filled with joy and confidence.
Mizuki, who played the lead role, reflected: “Performing on stage is such a joy! For the first time, I felt that I could truly express all my feelings. This isn't the end; I want to keep striving from this day forward for some future moment.”
With the help of a sign language interpreter, she shared her thoughts after the show. Watching her performance, however, few would have imagined that she was hearing impaired.
Nerosha from Malaysia shared her feelings: “I felt very appreciated being on stage at Expo, at the same time it is sad to say goodbye to other dancers. I’ve taken on many challenges, maybe some were difficult, but I always had help, so I didn’t feel like I was doing anything too challenging. I was always happy.”
The dance group BOTAN performed an impressive team dance. Soshin, one of the members said: “There was a huge audience who applauded us a lot. Although I cannot be in dark places, the people around me always supported me. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to perform on stage, so I thanked everyone.”
YU-RI from Tokyo also reflected on the moment: “I was happy that I had delivered everything I had dedicated to over the last three years, and I was sure that the audience appreciated my performance. Despite being pregnant, I was well looked after, and I was happy that we had all worked together to achieve our goal.”
Kyoko Suzuki, the producer of the "Breakthrough Journey," once said that she hoped the performance could help shift social values.
When asked if she felt that goal had been achieved, Ms. Suzuki responded: "Changing social values will take decades, but the people here today must’ve felt something from the performance. I am sure that both the performers and the audience experienced a kind of breakthrough of their own.”
Even after the performance ended, one woman continued applauding until the very last moment. She later expressed how deeply moved she was—not only by the opportunity to learn about unfamiliar countries and cultures at the Expo, but also by witnessing this extraordinary performance by people with disabilities, a world she had rarely encountered before . She said her heart swelled as she was reminded anew that diverse people of all kinds live together on this planet, regardless of borders.
The “Breakthrough Journey” will remain etched in the hearts of everyone who witnessed this performance as a legacy of the EXPO 2025.
A Safe and Secure Stage for Everyone
Support for Visitors
This performance featured a comprehensive support system to accommodate the needs of a diverse audience, including wheelchair-accessible seating, Japanese subtitles on stage, multilingual subtitles and commentary via an app, sign language interpretation, and audio assistance. This also silently tells us that attending regular stage performances without support is a significant barrier for disabled people at the same time.
Operation Support
On the other hand, the organizers welcomed attendees with a comprehensive system prepared for any eventuality. This included pre-event applications to arrange suitable seating for each type of support, having nurses on standby during performances, and setting up refreshment areas. It was accessible to all attendees—including the elderly and people with and without disabilities—so that everyone could enjoy it in complete safety.
It may not be widely known, but Japan is a leader in barrier-free infrastructure. People can enjoy peace of mind when travelling there!
Upcoming Performance Schedule
November 2nd, 2025
Breakthrough Journey Dance Caravan in Yamagata
Breakthrough Journey Dance Caravan in Yamagata KICK & SCARLETTE ENJOY DANCE | 事業案内 | 国際障害者交流センター（ビッグ・アイ）
December 13th, 2025
Breakthrough Journey Dance Caravan in Miyazaki
Breakthrough Journey Dance Caravan in Miyazaki んまつーポス & Dua Space Dance Theatre ENJOY DANCE | 事業案内 | 国際障害者交流センター（ビッグ・アイ）
About Big-i
Big-i (International Communication Centre for Persons with Disabilities), which hosted the performance, is a facility designed with ultra-barrier-free accessibility in mind for wheelchair users and individuals with severe disabilities. It ensures that everyone can stay comfortably and with peace of mind.
About BiG-i | BiG-i