OMOTENASH Journey
In a brand new musical-in-progress that has made waves across multiple Japanese newspapers, "OMOTENASHI Journey," the Japanese call their hospitality "OMOTENASHI," meaning warmth, understanding, respect, gratitude and kindness. Inspired by the slogan for the 2020 Olympic Games to be held in Japan and with aims of Magical Realism, this performance will give audiences a firsthand experience to the true Magic of Japanese hospitality. Omotenashi Journey has succeeded in sending its critical message about cultural interaction and the necessity and beauty of diversity through not expositional dialogue or didactic lecturing, but by the sheer magic of its graceful choreography, its magical realistic story, and cheerful, heartfelt score.
"I just want to say I am so proud we had an act like you. What I wanted to say first was that I am so proud that we had something like this that represents such an important culture that we don't see enough of in this city. So, I wanna salute you for that, first of all. Second of all, if your goal is Epcot, you're there. From what I know about Epcot, from what I know about Disney World, you guys have an act that is just as good, if not better, than what I've seen there."
- The judges of New York's Got Talent Season 2, Jessie Fahay
"I vowed I would never go to Florida, but if you are at Epcot I will be there. I think it's brilliant, I think it's beautifully put together and I really like the mingling of cultures. You all looked like you were having such a great time and that is hallmark of a great company. One of the most exciting and charming performances I've seen in years."
"I happen to really like you guys. I really - I have enjoyed; every time I've seen you, there's something new. I have really really liked it. I didn't think tonight's performance was the most cohesive because you were trying to put together a longer piece and put various things together. Let me tell you something: if I had paid to see this tonight, all I'd need is for you to pull out your wedding gown and you to go into your rap element- it's so wonderful, and I feel that that moment says everything you're saying in this show about the merging of cultures, the love that could be between people. Just in terms of moving forward, however, whatever happens whether you win or don't win, you're all winners because that's what you did with the message you presented. And I have to say I love you guys for it. I really do. You've touched me every time you've been up there."
- The judges of New York's Got Talent Season 2, Brent Buell (Producer/Director, Deathbed, Ripple Effect Artists, Rhymes Over Beats - Company dedicated on Moving Hip Hop & Rap to Broadway)
"OMOTENASHI Journey was wonderful. For me it was the winner. The music, acting were terrific and the heart warming message of peace and acceptance of everyone on the planet came shining through. Hope to see much, more from OMOTENASHI and Noriko Sunamoto."
- June Rachelson-Ospa (Writer/Producer, Osparations and Resident Writher, The Telling Company)
"Embraces two cultures with the power of love."
"OMOTENASHI Journey brings with it magic and inspiring hope in a new tale as old as time."
"Often times the voice that raises us becomes the voice and music of our minds. OMOTENASHI Journey brings to the stage a new dazzling approach to that thing most of want to embrace, true unconditional love. Being a huge fan of Walt Disney as a child and still to this day, I found something new in OMOTENASHI Journey. We find that love is beyond the color of our skin and/or the traditions hold us to our culture. True love is found when we embrace those whom we love and respect their culture by experiencing it with them. This is one ‘journey’ worth making a trip to the theater for. It will transform your soul with an original captivating story, lovable characters, stunning choreography, and a brilliant musical score."
- Jonathan Pennington (Ex. Producing Director/Writer, JP Studios Entertainment)
"A feel good amalgamation of Japanese and American culture.The use of Japanese instruments layered with American sounds was most interesting. Noriko Sunamoto has a keen ear for hummable tunes."
- Stephen Borsuk, Music Director
OMOTENASHI Journey Performance History
#1 O•MO•TE•NA•SHI
For Japan Day @ Central Park 2015
At Central Park, New York
May 10th, 2015
Music: Noriko Sunamoto
Director: Musa Hitomi, Chiho Yokoyama
#2 O•MO•TE•NA•SHI Journey
For Darknight Productions'
What I Always Wanted to Do - The Musical 2015"
At the John DeSotelle Studios, New York
June 12th, 13th, 2015
Book, Lyrics, Music, Director, Music Director: Noriko Sunamoto
Co-Director, Choreographer: Musa Hitomi
#3 O•MO•TE•NA•SHI Journey
Opening Act For Off-Broadway Musical "The Jackie Mason's Musical"
At St. Luke's Theatre, New York
June 15th, 2015
Book, Lyrics, Music, Director, Music Director: Noriko Sunamoto
Co-Director, Choreographer: Musa Hitomi
#4 O•MO•TE•NA•SHI Journey
BMI Presentation
At BMI, New York
September 8th, 2015
Lyrics, Music, Director, Music Director: Noriko Sunamoto
Co-Director, Choreographer: Musa Hitomi
#5 O•MO•TE•NA•SHI Journey - Dreams In Full Bloom -
Opening Act For International Freelancer’s Association (IFA)
Kajiki’s Artist Show in New York
At Carnegie Hall (Zankel Hall), New York
November 16th, 2015
Book, Lyrics, Music, Producer, Music Director, Arranger & Orchestrator: Noriko Sunamoto (N-Project)
Co-Playwright: Miyuki Kumamoto
Co-Lyricist & Choreographer: Mary Lauren
Co-Director: Atsushi Eda, Mio Nakanishi
Co-Producer & Associate Choreographer: TwiN dolls (Yuika & Moeka)
#6 O•MO•TE•NA•SHI Journey
For New York's Got Talent Season 2
At The Elektra Theater, New York
January 9th, 2016
Book, Lyrics, Music, Director, Music Director: Noriko Sunamoto
Co-Director, Choreographer: Chris Kakurai
#7 O•MO•TE•NA•SHI Journey
For New York's Got Talent Season 2
At The Elektra Theater, New York
February 24th, 2016
Writer and Music Director: Noriko Sunamoto
Lyricist and Choreographer: Mary Lauren
General Manager: Leslie Nicole Ivery
Host/Producer: Cooper Jordan (Cooper Jordan Entertainment)
#8 O•MO•TE•NA•SHI Journey
For New York's Got Talent Season 2 Semi-Finals
At The Elektra Theater, New York
February 24th, 2016
Writer and Music Director: Noriko Sunamoto
Lyricist: Kat Kat Liz Kramer, Mary Lauren
General Manager: Leslie Nicole Ivery
Host/Producer: Cooper Jordan (Cooper Jordan Entertainment
#9 O•MO•TE•NA•SHI Journey
For New York's Got Talent Finals
At The Elektra Theater, New York
April 26th, 2016
Writer and Music Director: Noriko Sunamoto
Lyricist: Kristina Coia
General Manager: Leslie Nicole Ivery
Host/Producer: Cooper Jordan (Cooper Jordan Entertainment
PR Advisor: Makoto Okubo
Production assistant: Takako Sunamoto
#10 O•MO•TE•NA•SHI Journey
For White Plains Cherry Blossom Festival
At Ebersole Ice Rink, New York
May 1st, 2016
Writer and Music Director: Noriko Sunamoto
Lyricist: Kristina Coia
Additional Lyricist: Kat Kat Liz Kramer, Mary Lauren
Director: Mio Nakanishi, Tomo Watanabe
Production assistant: Takako Sunamoto
#11 O•MO•TE•NA•SHI Journey
For Japan Day @ Central Park 2016
At Central Park, New York
May 8th, 2016
Writer, Composer, Musical Director: Noriko Sunamoto
Co-Writer, Lyricist: Kristina Coia
Additional Lyricist: Kat Liz Kramer
Script Advisor: Kirsten Childs
Director: Mio Nakanishi, Tomo Watanabe
Choreographer: Atsushi Eda, Chris "Chrisy" Kakurai,
Mio Nakanishi (Japanese Traditional Dance),
Mai Nishioka (Yosakoi Dance), Anthony Wright (African Dance),
Yui Hasegawa (Ballet)
Associate Musical Director: Trevor Bachman, Ian Wehrle
Recording Artist: Trevor Bachman, Mary Lauren, Christopher Morriss, Kevin Necciai, Jillian Schiralli, Tomo Watanabe
Sound Engineer: Ian Wehrle
Hair/Kimono Dresser: Mio Nakanishi
Photographer: Aehee Kang Asano, Ayaha Otsuka,
General Manager: Leslie Nicole Ivery
Vice President: Kumiko Yoshii (Gorgeous Entertainment, Inc.)
PR Advisor: Makoto Okubo
Production assistant: Takako Sunamoto
#12 O•MO•TE•NA•SHI Journey
For Charity Performances for Kumamoto Japan
At Ballet Arts, New York City Center, New York
June 19th, 2016
Writer, Composer, Musical Director: Noriko Sunamoto
Co-Writer, Lyricist: Kristina Coia
Additional Lyricist: Kat Liz Kramer
Script Advisor: Kirsten Childs
Director: Mio Nakanishi, Tomo Watanabe
Choreographer: Atsushi Eda, Chris "Chrisy" Kakurai,
Mio Nakanishi (Japanese Traditional Dance),
Mai Nishioka (Yosakoi Dance), Anthony Wright (African Dance),
Yui Hasegawa (Ballet)
Associate Musical Director: Trevor Bachman, Ian Wehrle
Recording Artist: Trevor Bachman, Mary Lauren, Christopher Morriss, Kevin Necciai, Jillian Schiralli, Tomo Watanabe
Sound Engineer: Ian Wehrle
Hair/Kimono Dresser: Mio Nakanishi
Photographer: Aehee Kang Asano, Ayaha Otsuka,
General Manager: Leslie Nicole Ivery
PR Advisor: Makoto Okubo
Production assistant: Takako Sunamoto
