We are pleased to inform you that the supported events for the "ZAIKO Seed" project, which began recruitment in October last year (https://zaiko.io/seed), have been determined.

"ZAIKO Seed" is a new support project aimed at supporting artists and businesses considering holding digital events during the COVID-19 pandemic. ZAIKO purchases a certain number of event tickets in advance and pays the organizers before the event, allowing them to reduce the initial costs associated with implementing live events. This makes it easier to host live streaming events like never before. As a result of a rigorous selection process, five digital events have been chosen for support. Among the supported events is the hip-hop online live festival "BRAIN SPILL(https://tomorrow.zaiko.io/_item/334244)", featuring artists who made viral hits in 2020, as well as a juggling omnibus live show "Kuutengeki Vol.28 Shiten to Taiken (https://kuutenkidou.zaiko.io/_item/334660)", and the musical "Hitchhike vol.2: Subaru's Passion (https://meoto106.zaiko.io/_item/334187)", among various online events across different genres planned to take place.

With the state of emergency declared and the COVID-19 situation still unresolved, the hurdles for hosting live events in person remain high, and the situation for artists and event organizers who rely on live performances is very challenging. In response, ZAIKO aims to continue this support project to assist as many independent artists and event organizers as possible and contribute to revitalizing the live entertainment industry.

【Overview of Supported Events for ZAIKO Seed】

◆ KjS JAZZ Net Service
Event Date: From January 25 to the end of March, 10 times scheduled
Ticket sales page: https://kjsjazznet.zaiko.io/_item/334184 (January 25)
https://kjsjazznet.zaiko.io/_item/335331 (February 16)

◆  Kuutengeki Vol.28
Event Date: January 30
Ticket sales page: https://kuutenkidou.zaiko.io/_item/334660

◆  BRAIN SPILL
Event Date: February 10
Ticket sales page: https://tomorrow.zaiko.io/_item/334244

◆  Musical "Hitchhike vol.2: Subaru's Passion"
Event Date: February 14
Ticket sales page: https://meoto106.zaiko.io/_item/334187

◆  Yuki Matsui ONLINE LIVE ~Upbeat Live~
Event Date: February 20
Ticket sales page: https://yuki-matsui.zaiko.io/_item/335629

■Organizer's Message (Partial)

Organizer's Message for the Musical "Hitchhike vol.2: Subaru's Passion"

In May last year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to conduct a live streaming event without an audience through ZAIKO, which was still rare in the classical world (opera world) at that time. In the world of classical music, which generally enjoys "live sound," even though we couldn't share the "space," we could at least share the "time" through live stream without an audience, driven by the determination to "not stop delivering music!" We have been experimenting with this concept. We hope to establish the style of "live streaming" in the classical world. However, hosting an event carries the constant risk of failure as a business, making it perilous for individuals like myself to organize. It was at this time that I learned about the "ZAIKO Seed," which provided me with an opportunity to bravely continue challenging myself. Although we will only have about 1/3 of the seating capacity for this event, we have managed to establish a hybrid performance that allows us to welcome guests to the venue while simultaneously live streaming (with archive available). Regarding ticketing, we are using the electronic ticket system that enables non-contact, which is originally part of ZAIKO's business. As we have done in the past, we aim to create a performance that delights both those who appreciate the streaming aspect, as well as those who wish to hear the traditional live sound.

Organizer's Message for "KjS JAZZ Net Service"

Due to the spread of COVID-19, requests for facility closures and reduced operating hours have restricted opportunities for activities and presentations in the Kansai jazz scene, leading to the closure and bankruptcies of live houses. Our NPO Kansai Jazz Association, composed of jazz musicians and jazz fans, has been working on "live streaming" since May last year to create opportunities for our members to perform and appreciate music in this challenging environment. In 2020, we started streaming from scratch, acquired related technology and equipment, and, with the cooperation of live houses and performers, conducted a total of 17 free live streams. Based on this achievement, we see 2021 as a challenging year to secure sustainable operations through ticket sales for viewership, but the economic situation remains difficult. We are a local music group, but we aim to utilize the support of "ZAIKO Seed" to solidify our new style of music appreciation alongside the traditional live viewing style. We will work to raise awareness among performers and venue staff for the creation of this new music appreciation style, striving for continuous sustainability.

Organizer's Message for "BRAIN SPILL"

This year, we are unable to welcome audiences to our venue for live performances, and with limited opportunities for artists to express themselves, I feel it is essential to consider what can only be done online positively. One of the appeals of online live performances is being able to view images from locations and camera angles that are usually inaccessible. We are producing sound and lighting specifically for online live, allowing you to see visuals that are so close to being regarded as "music videos" in real-time broadcasts. Among the performers, there are those like sloppy dim, 15MUS, and others who received tremendous support from youth audiences, and we expect members like YOSHIKI EZAKI, Tok10, and Neon Nonthana&Liza to be hot topics in the music scene in 2021. I believe audiences will enjoy it as they dance along with their families. Of course, archives are also available, so those who cannot watch in real-time can still enjoy it.

■ZAIKO COO Message ZAIKO COO
Lauren Rose Kocher

ZAIKO was the first to introduce live streaming services in March 2020, and thanks to the support of many, including users who purchased streaming tickets, we have been able to advance our business to this point. We want to give back, even a little, to everyone, and although we are still a small startup, we have launched the "ZAIKO Seed" project aimed at supporting digital event initiatives. We are very pleased to be able to assist with five online events reflecting the passionate efforts of business operators. In the ongoing situation with COVID-19 showing no signs of resolution, we wish to continue to implement this support project to aid as many independent artists and event organizers as possible.