Asura
ASURA – A Dance and Music Prayer for Peace
Inspired by the 1,300-year-old Asura statue enshrined at Kōfuku-ji, this powerful collaboration brings together two exceptional Japanese artists: dancer Muku Naomi and percussionist Steve Eto.
The three-faced Asura, originally a god of war, came to embody the heartfelt prayers of those afflicted by conflict, carrying their hopes for peace and salvation to the Buddha. More than thirteen centuries later, this enduring message resonates through a contemporary performance that transforms ancient spirituality into a living artistic experience.
Muku Naomi is one of Japan’s most acclaimed butoh dancers. In addition to her stage work, she has appeared in numerous films, theatrical productions, and music videos, establishing herself as one of the most compelling figures in contemporary dance.
Alongside her is Steve Eto, a visionary percussionist and performance artist based in Nara. Known for his distinctive “HEAVY METAL percussion” style, he transforms oil drums, scrap metal, and industrial tools into instruments of extraordinary expressive power and creates musical landscapes inspired by Japan’s ritual traditions and natural environment.
In this production, Naomi embodies the spirit of Asura, accompanied by three butoh dancers and enveloped by Steve Eto’s evocative live music. Together they create a striking dialogue between body and sound, past and present, ritual and contemporary expression. Through dance, percussion, and collective movement, ASURA becomes a profound artistic offering—a prayer for peace and a reflection on humanity’s enduring desire for harmony in a world marked by conflict.
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