PowerPoint Presentation

Strings between older people and Japanese artsAzuki Foundation Azuki Foundation was set up in October 2012 to increase public awareness of the culture and music of Japan.Azuki Foundation Azuki Foundations initial focus is on culture and wellbeingIt will provide workshops for older people using movements and elements unique in Japanese arts and culture, such as Bon dance, Ayatori and Otedama.David Camerons challenge on dementia in 2012. The UK has 800,000 people living with dementia. In Japan, there are 4.6 million. Back GroundRan a 5- week Bon dance workshop for older people as part of Big Dance 2012.

Introduced Fukuchiyama ondo - 16 sts preps of movements - Helpes to prevent dementia (local governments research) Thought Traditional Bon DanceCreated original Bon DanceLondon Borough of Islington- Men in Islington:the lowest life expectancy in London - Women in Islington: the third lowest (Cultural Matters- A Cultural Strategy for Islington Council 2012- 2015)High rates of physical and mental illness. 3Back GroundBon DanceBon Dance is a traditional Japanese community dance. Simple, elegant, slow and smooth movements to music. Provides modest physical exercise Promotes social contact and health

Back GroundFeedbackInterest from media (ex. Asahi News paper)

Great feedback from participants and organisers.

Benefits Improves body coordination / Concentration/ Helps create new community groups/ Inspire peoples imaginationNew Project 1) OTEDAMAJapanese bean bag juggling

Rhythmic and Playful Gentle physical movement

Economical, anywhere, anytimePlay individually or in a groupNew Project 1) OTEDAMAScientific evidence UK and Japan

- New Scientist (UK) reported juggling improves brain activities.

- There is an ability to alleviate depression (A Japanese psychologist, Dr Kazuhiko Nakahara)

Benefits Improves body posture / Improves coordination / Concentration New Project 2) AYATORI

Cats cradle or string figuresVisual imaginationPlay individually or in a group

InteractiveEconomical, anywhere, anytimeBenefitsManipulation of the fingers / Imagination / Creativity / ConcentrationNew Project 2) AYATORIScientific evidence- There are clear differences of the brain activity level before and after practicing ayatori (Dr Satomi Noda of St. Marys College Nagoya (2009)

- The International String Figure Association provides several research on ayatori

How we deliver workshop? Basic structureLearn sequence of Bon Dance Step by step making AYATORIPractice OTEDAMASharingFor exampleChange from original movements to own movementsMaking shapes using by different body parts instead of fingersCreationCreate New Bon Dance routines Ayatori and Otedama as an art formPerformanceChallengingCreative AccessibleInteractiveGreat funOTEDAMA Creative work

AYATORI Creative work

Our AimsPromote health and well-being to help alleviate dementia and depressionProvide opportunities to create new communities for people to help avoid isolationStimulate peoples imagination and creativityImprove self-esteem and confidence Improve sense of physical and mental well-being for older peopleIntroduce unique Japanese arts and cultureAction PlanCommunity Centres in IslingtonProject starts September 2013 (supported by Award for All, Big Lottery )Supported by Award for All, Big Lottery

Thank youAzuki Foundationwww.azukifoundation.org