Born in the pandemic, Tokyo Poetry Journal Volume 10 took much longer to emerge from the chaos we’ve all been in. Created as a ray of light in dark times of the 2020 mid-pandemic summer, V10 was delivered to the world one year later. On July 24, 2021, we gathered in the safest place one can go in a metropolis right now – the park.
ToPoJo editors, contributors and loyal supporters came together to read poetry, play music, dance and bask in the afternoon sun. Uncharacteristic for Japan’s sweltering summer, the day of Topojo Vol.10 Lazy Launch was one with a fluttering breeze.
Readers included Oshima Takeo (Poetry Slam Japan champion), Steven Karl, Todd Silverstein, Ryan Dzelzkalns, Simon Scott, Taylor Mignon, Jordan A. Y. Smith, Zoria Petkoska, Mat Chiappe, Joy Waller, and Eri Hara.
From top left: Jordan A.Y. Smith, Oshima Takeo, Steven Karl, and Taylor Mignon
Taylor Mignon also performed a poem accompanied by Joan Anderson on flute, and a collaborative poem co-written with Zoria Petkoska.
Todd Silverstein's poem "Fugue" was performed by four different voices, circling around the audience and creating a 360 degree theater stage feeling.
Ryan Dzelzkalns and Simon Scott, reading Todd Silverstein's poem
More photos from the event:
You can still get a copy of ToPoJo Vol.10. Just go to our online store here.
*All photos by Simon Scott