Tokyo International Arts Festival is incorporated within Arts Network Japan. TIF is held annually with 2004 being the 10th anniversary of festivities. TIF is made up of various programs that can be rounded up into three areas. Firstly a Theatrical Program which introduces not only Japanese theater and dance troupes, but also includes works from overseas, presentations made up of both local and international cast members, as well as a Regional Theater Series. A Communication Program, largely a workshop also provides the opportunity for theater goers to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes of a theatrical production. International Visitors' Program is offered in the hope of building networks and sharing ideas between Japanese and International professionals.

Between the 12th of February and the 28th of March, the Tokyo International Arts Festival will be presenting eighteen different productions as part of the Eurasia Festival at nine different theaters around Tokyo. The three basic themes of TIF 2004 are the expansion of multi-culturalism around the world and how we perceive it, understanding the Islamic culture, and the revitalization of theater. Three companies from the Middle East - Kuwait, Lebanon and Palestine, and one company from Eastern Europe - Slovakia, will portray the lives of the ordinary person in these areas of intense political upheaval. Also presenting a social theme is the Bush Theatre from England, whose visit to Japan has culminated from a three year working relationship with TIF. Along with this spectacular line up from Eastern Europe and the Middle East, Japanese theater companies will also be on show. It is with the aim of developing the International Visitor's Program and the Communication Program that we hope you will be involved with the TIF 2004 line-up. We hope to see you there. (Sachio Ichimura / Director)