Japanese

2024.06.18 – Review

Android Opera TOKYO*

ayakaendo & Lisa Tanimura

Cult* photographer ayakaendo and editor-in-chief Lisa Tanimura delve into the backstage crowds and after-party of composer Keiichiro Shibuya's concert.


Behind the Scenes

Despite the mechanical connotations of its name, the offstage atmosphere of Shibuya’s "Android Opera TOKYO," featuring the android Alter 4, felt surprisingly humanistic.

While Alter 4 undoubtedly took center stage, it was through real-life performers from orchestra bands, children of the White Hand Chorus NIPPON, Mt. Koya monks and Shibuya himself on the piano that breathed air into the The Garden Hall in Yebisu Garden Place.

It was clear from the waves of laughter and camaraderie from over 180 performers and staff behind the curtain that confirmed the lively ambiance.


  • Child performers from White Hand Chorus NIPPON happily pose to be photographed


  • Laughter fills the air as Shibuya makes jokes a few moments before the show


  • A child performer puts a big grin as he is photographed with composer Keiichiro Shibuya

  • Leaders of White Hand Chorus NIPPON

  • Shibuya's jacket and child performers' costumes and are designed by Tokyo-based brand HATRA

  • Performers from White Hand Chorus NIPPON in dresses designed by HATRA

  • Android Programer Shintaro Imai and Visual Artist Justine Emard


  • Rena Nagano, the solo violinist of the night

  • A nervous child performer is comforted by adult

  • Children line up quietly as they prepare to appear on stage

  • Yasuhiro Yamamoto, the leader of the monks

  • The four monks await their stage

After the Show

As the performers returned backstage, smiles reappeared on their faces. And once again, the room filled with glee and joy.


  • Alter 4 and performers face the audience as they vow

  • Violinist Mayuko Ishigami

  • Concertmaster Narita Tatsuki returns backstage after all performances

  • Artist Yuma Kishi and HATRA team

  • HATRA team asking monks to be photographed together

  • Hairstylist Hayate

  • Lisa Tanimura

  • Executive Producer Natsumi finally finds a moment to eat a bento


  • Shibuya signing his CD

After Party

Post-performance, the crowd gathered in the foyer. The evening concluded with a DJ set by two tech-savvy artists: Daito Manabe from Rhizomatiks, who used Vision Pro goggles for his performance, and Yoichiro Ochiai, who also wore the same goggles.

Through VR goggles, our human eyes and facial expressions are obscured as we perform unusual movements in mid-air. Conversely, an android with human-like eyes exhibits somewhat awkward motions and gestures. This juxtaposition represents the ultimate combination of technology and human emulation.

The enchanting evening, hosted by Sushi Yoshii—owned by the proprietor of gallery hiromiyoshii—and sponsored by MHD featuring Ruinart Champagne and Hennessy, truly captured the essence of Tokyo.


  • A diverse crowd of music lovers, art connoisseurs and tech enthusiasts gather at after party.

  • Daito Manabe of Rhizomatiks

  • hennesy #GiftedbyHennessy #GiftedbyRuinart #DrinkResponsibly

  • Rapper So Shit of Dos Monos, Naohiro Ukawa of DOMMUNE, Keiichiro Shibuya and Reiko Yuyama

  • Naohiro Ukawa, Shinji Miyadai and Joe Yokomizo

  • Monks pose with celebrity Mika Ahn and Ted Miller

  • Guests and monks gather around Shibuya (third from the left) for the photo

  • Keiichiro Shibuya and Justine Emard, who created video for the show

  • Delicious sushi, prepared by the chef of Sushi Yoshii right in front of the guests

  • Natsumi Matsumoto and artist Mari Katayama

  • Chikei Hara (left) and members of fashion laboratory Synflux

  • Scientist Takashi Ikegami, Keiichiro Shibuya and Photographer Kenshu Shintsubo

  • Shibuya livens up the crowd as Yoichi Ochiai DJs

Photography: ayakaendo

Text/Edit: Lisa Tanimura

English Edit: Nana Kiyoshige

*This article was written with AI.