Our name "empori" is short for emporium of experiences. We named the studio as such as we hope to be able to bring a myriad of experiences to people. Which explains the 'library' part of empori. We also find the word emporium elicits a sense of awe and wonder that's not dissimilar to walking into Santa's workshop. Both are emotions we hope to inspire in our experiences.
As for studio, well, what else do you call an entity that creates things if not a studio?
The seed for Empori was first sowed at Tokyo Disneysea in late May of 2011. Just a scant few months after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Tokyo was still recovering. Escalators in train stations around the city were switched off. The city lost its luster, both literally and figuratively. There were few city lights on the backdrop of the night sky and there was an extra weight in the footsteps of the people. Perhaps what was most telling were the lines at Disneysea. 5-minuts for Journey to the centre of the world, the total time it takes to walk from the ride entrance to the boarding area.
At a time like this, one show, The Legend of Mythica, was somehow able to bring together hearts of the young and old. In that one moment, the plaza of Disneysea was filled with awe and wonder, and the people who were wary from the challenges of life were smiling again. In that one moment, everyone was happy. Recharged and ready to face the hardships of life again.
"This is what we want to do." Whatever 'this' was.
And it turns out, 'this' was experiences.
BONUS READπ-What is an "experience" exactly?
The Legend of Mythica was a daytime spectacle, a show, if you will. And that most certainly is an experience.
But at it's core, an experience is merely a narrative that you create in your head. A narrative about the interaction you're engaging in, be it with a person, an activity, an object or even an...experience.
So sure, events, shows, concerts and installations are all experiences. But so is a walk through the park, a book and even a conversation. In fact, life is just one big experience.
But you knew that already didn't you?
