People of Ari theatre was graced with the presence of Yogetsu Akasaka, the renowned beatboxing monk, on April 30th 2023. This sold-out event marked the final day of his visit to the city, captivating the audience with a unique performance that blended guided meditation, Buddhist chanting, live looping, beatboxing, handpan playing, and multi-layered vocals.
Hailing from Tokyo, Yogetsu embarked on his musical journey as a street busker in cities like London, Sydney, and NYC in 2005. In 2015, he chose to deepen his spiritual growth by becoming a Zen Buddhist Monk, training at the Soto Zen Buddhism Monastery in Japan. Returning to Tokyo, he merged his Buddhist wisdom with his musical talent, creating a unique fusion of spirituality and sound.
Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, Yogetsu's healing melodies resonated widely, amassing over 11 million views and attracting a dedicated following of over 200,000. Regarded as a form of mental health medicine, his music has garnered recognition, with Vice Magazine featuring his distinctive approach. Notably, Yogetsu was honoured as an Official Selected Artist at SXSW 2023.
The event at People of Ari's Main Theatre on April 30th offered two shows, at 15:00 and 18:00. Both were fully booked. Through Yogetsu Akasaka's enchanting performance, attendees were transported to a place of profound peace and tranquility, experiencing the harmonious convergence of music and spirituality.