Taro Ishida

Composer and music producer. A graduate of Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School and CEO of Drifter Inc. After completing his studies, Ishida began his career as a composer in Tokyo. However, due to the stress of constant noise and other environmental factors, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and temporarily stepped away from music. He later relocated to Nasu, his wife's hometown, where the surrounding nature and community helped him reconnect with creativity and return to his musical work.

In 2024, he arranged music incorporating traditional Japanese elements for SHOGUN, the most awarded series at that year’s Emmy Awards, earning him recognition and nominations across the Emmys, Grammys, and Golden Globes. In addition to his efforts in promoting traditional Japanese music such as Gagaku, Ishida is recognized for his philosophical approach to music, culture, and society. He has served as music director and producer at numerous international music events and cultural institutions.

Junya Yamada

Japanese director and producer. Yamada received a five-star rating at the world’s largest performing arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His work extends across Asia, having served as the creative director for Alibaba Group’s major fashion event, TMALL COLLECTION, in China. Domestically, he is acclaimed for his site-specific productions that reflect historical and cultural contexts, including Projection Mapping at Tsukiji Hongwanji themed around the former Tsukiji foreign settlement, and World Heritage RUNWAY set at the historic Tomioka Silk Mill. He also directed the stage production INSPIRE Onmyoji starring Takao Osawa. Yamada continues to work across a wide range of genres, including music events, theater, fashion, fireworks, and cultural events.