Everything that lives and breathes,

let this song reach them, reach them, let it spread out Let’s weave the words of Inochi,

let’s sing the song of Inochi

Where the dance of life emerges here today

It bonds everyone, and bridges world to world Feel it here together, Inochi Bon Bon NOW!

The world today faces complex and overlapping crises— wars and civil conflicts in many regions, natural disasters striking frequently and globally, and rising risks of trade wars. Elements contributing to global instability continue to grow by the day.

Originating in Japan, Bon Odori is considered an inclusive dance that leaves no one behind. With simple and accessible movements that anyone can follow, people form a circle and dance together—fostering joy, laughter, friendship, and shared delight. When people experience moments of joy, excitement, and togetherness in the same space, an indescribable, beautiful feeling emerges. When these moments are joined and shared, a circle of empathy is formed—perhaps this is how we can take steps, however small, toward peace. Such a circle of empathy may become the foundation for a more peaceful world.

With this belief, Japanese classical dancer Ukon Takafuji, JICA staff member Kota Sakaguchi, and social musician Rikiya Nakaegawa joined forces with musical artists from around the world to co-create a new concept: “Bon Odori with music representing each country and region, united in a prayer for peace.” This was the beginning of World Bon Bon. The initiative was sparked by a conversation around the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VII), held in 2019. The idea emerged to create an event where Africa and Japan could come together through music and dance. The Africa Bon Odori Executive Committee was launched, and as part of the TICAD VII preevent, thousands of people from Africa, Japan, and other countries danced together in Yokohama. This shared experience became the foundation of the movement.

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted activities, but in 2022, a new opportunity arose. Ambassador Richards of Jamaica approached Sakaguchi with a request: “It’s hard to host events during the pandemic, but could we hold something in Tokyo to commemorate Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence?” Inspired by this, the three collaborators reunited with a sense of purpose. They partnered with Mr. Macka Ruffin, a bearer of Jamaica’s roots reggae tradition, and created a new piece called Reggae Bon Bon, along with a companion track “JJ Partnership.” Sakaguchi contributed the musical ideas, Nakaegawa led the arrangement, and Takafuji choreographed the Bon Odori movements.

The project received enthusiastic responses, opening the door to further opportunities.
Over the following two years, a series of original songs and dances emerged, including:

Mexico Bon Bon, Palo Bon Bon, Nica Bon Bon, Platano Bon Bon, Merengue Bon Bon, Bachata Bon Bon, Cotui Bon Bon, Lao Bon Bon, Jumbo Bon Bon (Kenya), Irish Bon Bon, Guate Bon Bon, and Pachamama Bon Bon (Bolivia).

Production and filming of the song and dance piece Reggae Bon Bon commemorating the Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence

These works have been performed in Japan, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Laos, Nicaragua, and beyond.

As a culmination of these efforts, the World Bon Bon team has now completed a new piece for the Inochi Declaration: Inochi Bon Bon. This work was created with the hope that through dance, people can feel the vitality of Inochi and allow it to shine. During the Inochi Declaration Festival on October 11, participants will join in singing and dancing to this and other songs as the grand finale of the event.

The Inochi Forum is committed to sharing and expanding the songs and dances of World Bon Bon—especially Inochi Bon Bon—with people of all backgrounds. By doing so, we will nurture actions that shine with Inochi and embody the hope for peace. Let us reflect on what we can do, find companions who share our vision, and take meaningful steps forward—together.

[References]

・Artist in Project | International Activities – JICA (Music and choreography are available )

https://www.jica.go.jp/overseas/america/plaza/aip.html

[Action Platform]

Peace and Human Rights / Arts, Culture and Sports

[SDGs]