Through his ability to imagine and construct entire artistic ecosystems, in which dance represents the central element of a broader visual and sensory experience, Saburo Teshigawara has inspired several generations of artists. Also a painter, designer, opera director  and creator of installations and films, Teshigawara was born in Japan in 1953 and began his career in Tokyo after studying plastic arts and classical ballet. The artist is now considered one of the leading international choreographers and dancers in the field of contemporary dance. In over forty years of activity he has received numerous prestigious awards, including a lifetime achievement Golden Lion from the Venice Biennale and the title of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of the French Republic.

Dancer and choreographer Rihoko Sato is one of the key figures in Teshigawara's creative universe. She joined his company, KARAS, in 1996, and since then has taken part as a performer and artistic collaborator in all Teshigawara's productions. Over the years she has been awarded the Prix Ballet2000 for best dancer, the Japan Dance Forum Award and the Art Encouragement Prize from the Japanese Ministry of Culture.