DIGITAL STADIUM

*in alphabetical order

Hachiya was a salaryman working for a consulting company, but ventured on a new course in life as an artist because he wanted to create everything. His creations are marked by an inventive streak and include special communication devices such as "Audiovisual Exchange Machine" and Post Pet, jet-engine powered Airboard, and Open Sky (Moewe). His birthday, by the way, is April 18, which is known in Japan as Invention Day.

"Things that make me feel good, that surprise me, that make me laugh or feel me sentimental ... That's what I like, that's what I want here."

Awarded prizes at numerous digital and graphic art exhibitions within Japan and abroad. Continues creative life through involvement with art direction and advertising/publishing design, and continues to be at the mercy of those doggedly pursuing "acceleration" and "expansion."

"First I congratulate your arrival at this festive spot for your debut. That being said, where did we all come from, where are we going? Are we voids or authentic? DNA or a spirit? Mulling over whether we're this or that, one thing or another, sail off unarmed into our swiftly expanding world. I toast the start of your perhaps long-lived, perhaps brief lives as creators."

A leading Japanese claymation creator, Ito heads I.TOON Ltd. and works in various fields from producing the widely popular claymation KNYACKI! (aired on NHK Educational) for kids to directing the animated TV commercial "Bazaar de Gozaaru."Latest work includes Fuyu no hi (linked-poetry animation with 35 artists from around the world). Director of the Japan Animation Association.

"Put into words, Digista is "'Love,''Art'and 'Technology.' Yes, and perhaps a trump card to save humankind."

Became the youngest recipient of the Contemporary Art Exhibition of Japan grand prize in 1985 with Time Stratum II. Since then, his interactive works have been shown in numerous exhibitions within Japan and abroad, establishing him as a leading media artist. In 1997 awarded the Grand Prix at Ars Electronica for a collaborative work with Ryuichi Sakamoto.

"The program itself and the awareness of the production staff are continually transformed by the works that are submitted for competition. I think Digista is interesting because it has an organism-like existence."

Since the early days of CG, Kiri has created original animation shown in Japan and abroad. Creates peaceful stories and characters with idyllic and beautiful imaginative power. Recently has created the title graphics for 'NHKFrench Conversation' program and the visuals and character for Mojiburibon that renders text into a game format.

"I always look forward to seeing various great art works at Digista."

Maywa Denki is a total art unit. The staff wears blue work uniforms symbolizing small and medium-sized enterprises that once supported Japan's economy during its period of rapid growth. Each piece of Maywa Denki's work is called a "product" and live performances are "product demonstrations." Through their live performances and artworks in the form of toys and electric goods. Awards of distinction in the 2003 Ars Electronica Interactive Art Division.

"Di…Did you have a complaint? Hold it until you've finished. Gi…Gigabytes might make us praise technology, but hey, remember to praise yourself too. Sta…Stardom is always proceeded by failure."

Miyazaki is engaged in various projects, including art direction for the total design magazine AXIS and graphic design. Recently he has created many websites as art director for Neuromagic-Axisdesign.

"Digista has gained an air of confidence in its fourth year, but I hope the program continues to search out creators who are talented yet still unknown."

Born 1959 in Osaka. Graduated from Osaka Designer Academy. In 1980 joined Madhouse, an animation production company to draw the original pictures for teleplays. Became a freelancer in 1984. First directed. The Cogwheel of Franken in 1987. In 1988, became a settings and illustration assistant director in Katushiro Otomo's Akira. Became active as a founding member of Studio 4 Degrees Celsius in 1989. Directed MEMORIES EPISODE1 MAGNETIC ROSE. Attracting attention from all over the world for among other things, his commercials, PV, illustrations, view of the world and image styles that are full of originality.

"In the midst of an over-abundance of all things digital, I think Digista is a place where we can focus on the give and take of ideas For the future. It's very important for those who exchange information not to be carried away by current trends, so I hope Digista remains a place where unknown talent can emerge."

Nakajima is the Executive Director of Tohokushinsha Film Corporation and a TV commercial director. He has created many TV commercial masterpieces in the 90s, including that famous Nisshin Cup Noodle's "Hungry?", "Arinamin V" featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Suntory's "CC Lemmon Series." He is certainly one of the most popular directors in Japan. Recent works include Suntory's "DAKARA" and "aminoshiki".

"Digista works are love letters to the curators and messages to the era. It goes without saying that the important thing is love."

In 2000 established the creative studio Samurai. Involved with all aspects of creative and art direction, encompassing product development, ad campaigns and media cultivation. Focuses on ad campaign visuals, including SMAP, Honda Step Wagon, Kirin Gokunama, etc. Recipient of numerous awards, including the Tokyo ADC grand prix, the Asahi Advertising Award, the Yusaku Kamekura Award, etc.

"New people generate new creativity from a new perspective. A new future awaits beyond. Creativity is freedom. I want everyone to keep showing us something new."

In 1976 Tachibana started the pop group Plastics and performed worldwide. Later he started working solo as graphic designer, stage designer and video director. In 1991 his poster work "APE CALL FROM TOKYO" won the ADC Best Award, the most prominent award in the Japanese design industry. He is a born artist.

"May everyone be gifted with what he deserves. With the right amount, never too much. But for the person you love, go as far as you can. OURSELVES ALONE!"

President of digitiminimi. The person behind successes such as e-ticket authentication, two-way live events, and copyright management. Takes a unique approach to problem solving. Days are spent contemplating a medium capable of directly communicating amazing techniques and ideas. Recently has been rethinking editing and search activities, and is exploring the possibility of creating an independent economic and monetary zone.

"I love ideas and techniques that expand the breadth of expression, reveal new perspectives and transform our lives. Beyond this, Digista is a precious occasion for encountering things that move our emotions."

A representative of Frame Graphics. He is known for the highly distinctive images he creates in his work as an image designer and TV commercial director, from the cute and surreal Oh! Super Milk-chan to the television program Cocorico Miracle Type.

"The quality of the works submitted to Digista has been improving every year, and I have the feeling that the gap between pros and amateurs is closing. It's also an opportunity for a professional like myself to think about what it means to create."

In the early days of Japan's music-video industry, Terai directed videos for many artists. Later, as a creative director for on-air promotions at MTV Japan, he directed and produced program packages, station IDs and animations. He was an award winner at SIGGRAPH97 and won the top prize at the Media Art Festival sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Meanwhile, he has been helping young artists and participated in establishing the Creative Boutique PICS.

"The true fascination of Digista is that aired works send various incentives while influencing each other, which leads to the creation of more works, providing a sense of self-propagation. Only Digista could create a nationwide battle of creators like this! No doubt!"

A "visualist," Tezka has been engaged in creative work across genres from his radical visual work to multimedia artwork such as TEO-Another Earth and novels. His film Hakuchi (Imbecile) won the Digital Award at the Venice Film Festival.

"This is my fourth year with Digista. Everyone is doing good work. But it's possible I have yet to encounter a work that has floored me and made me feel "this work is amazing, this person is amazing!" Media art…it’s tough, isn't it?"