Shōji Kojima (小島章司), born in Tokushima Prefecture in 1939, is one of the most celebrated flamenco artists of his generation and the central figure in bringing flamenco to Japan. Trained at Musashino Academia Musicae in vocal music, piano, classical and modern ballet, he discovered flamenco in the late 1950s after seeing performances by Pilar López and Antonio Gades during their Japan tour. In 1966 he left for Spain, traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway, and entered Madrid’s legendary Amor de Dios studio. Soon after he joined the Spanish National Ballet, later becoming first dancer with Rafael Farina’s company. His reputation grew quickly, culminating in a landmark television appearance on Estudio Abierto in 1970 and a performance for Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko at Seville’s Alcázar in 1973.

Returning to Japan in 1976, Kojima established his own flamenco studio and became a cultural ambassador, premiering new works almost every year and shaping generations of Japanese dancers. He has worked with leading flamenco artists such as guitarist Chicuelo and choreographer Javier Latorre, while also crossing into collaborations that expand flamenco’s boundaries. His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Purple Ribbon Medal from the Emperor of Japan and Spain’s Order of Civil Merit.

In 2016 he entered into a close collaboration with Alan Lucien Øyen and winter guests for the production Simulacrum. The work centered on Kojima’s journey through life and the story of his mother, weaving his flamenco artistry into a deeply personal, theatrical reflection. Simulacrum was presented at major international venues and confirmed Kojima’s unique ability to merge tradition with contemporary theatre.

Even into his eighties, Kojima continues to innovate. In 2018 he premiered the solo The Scream, inspired by Edvard Munch, and his later works remain urgent meditations on life, death and memory.

Shōji Kojima has worked on the following winter guests production: Simulacrum (2016, performer and collaborator).

Alan Lucien Øyen

Artistic Director
+47 922 858 49
alan@winterguests.com

ORNELLA SALLUM

Network and Touring
‭+44 742 6921 254‬
ornella@winterguests.com

MARTIN FLACK

Managing Director
+47 934 594 70
martin@winterguests.com

Tora De Zwart Rørholt

Producer with syvmil.no
‭+47 416 343 64‬
tora@winterguests.com