Tadashi Endo and Pina Bausch got to know each other through their friendship to Peter Kowald (double bass) and to the great Butoh-Master Kazuo Ohno. 

They all had the same wish: with their art. they wanted to bring love and humanity into this world.

Thoughts about IKIRU

“Life and death are so close to each other.
 If there is no life there is no death.
 Birth ist he first step to death.
Pina Bausch died.
 Michael Jackson died.
 Kazuo Ohno died.
It is frightening – death is coming closer.
It makes me so sad, when I realize that important artists, who have given some influences in my own work, suddenly are gone – for ever.
But it makes me also very strong. This very moment I have to start to go on much stronger than before. I have the feeling that I have to work much more, much deeper.

As I saw Pina Bausch in „Kaffee Müller“ – blind and unsure, weak but strong to overcome all hurdles (chairs) with the imperturbable wish to reach the goal.
I was so impressed, I can never forget this scene.

Pina Bausch gave dance another spirit and another dimension.
Pina Bausch will live for ever through her dance and her idea of expressive dance theatre.
IKIRU is dedicated to Pina Bausch.
Thank you Pina.
Thank you Kazuo Ohno