A must-see library work by Canada-based artists!
Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media [YCAM] invites the performance “MANUAL” by Canada-based artists Adam Kinner and Christopher Willes, introduced for the first time in western Japan.
“MANUAL” is a performance staged in public libraries, created through a collaboration between choreographer Hanna Sybille Müller and two artists who explore extraordinary sensory encounters through their work. This one-on-one intimate and interactive performance between audience member and performer, the direction adapts to each location, with the experience changing every time. Since its premiere in 2022, this unique approach has garnered significant attention, leading to invitations from around the world. In this Yamaguchi performance, the Yamaguchi City Central Library, situated in the same building as YCAM, will be the stage. An experience to slowly conduct the act of reading and listening with somebody – while overlapping with an ordinary day of an open library – will allow the audience to reconsider libraries as a place to listen to inner senses, recognize new things, and generate connections. For more information, please visit YCAM website.
[Performances in English]
Date: Janurary 24 (Sa), 25 (Sun) , 2026
11:05/ 12:20/ 14:00/ 15:15
Venue: Yamaguchi City Central Library
Meeting spot: Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media [YCAM], Foyer
[Performances in Japanese]
Date: Janurary 24 (Sat), 25 (Sun), 31(Sat), February 1 (Sun), 7 (Sat), 8 (Sun), 2026
10:05/ 10:20/ 10:35/ 10:50/ 11:20/ 11:35/ 11:50/ 12:05/
13:00/ 13:15/ 13:30/ 13:45/ 14:15/ 14:30/ 14:45/ 15:00/
15:30/ 15:45/ 16:00
Notes for participants:
• Performance duration is approximately 45 minutes
• Each performance accommodates 1 person
• This event is for audience beyond 9th grades (under 8th grade cannot join)
• Please note that if you are late to the meeting time, you will not be able to participate. We cannot accommodate refunds for ticket fees.
• This work involves walking, climbing stairs, sitting, and reading books. Participants will also wear earphones and listen to audio throughout the experience.
• If you require any assistance to participate or have questions, please contact
us in advance.
[Related Program]
Artists Talk “What is a Library?”
Date: 17:30-, January 24 (Sat), 2026
Venue: Yamaguchi City Central Library
Ticket: Free admission, Reservation required
Speakers: Adam Kinner, Christopher Willes, Soma Ishii (Assistant director, performer), Akira Ichimura (Yamaguchi City Central Library), Hazuki Ota (YCAM)