Formed in 1995 by Jun Takahashi, Shuji Onodera and Momoko Fujita, who graduated that year from the Nihon Mime Kenkyujo (Japan Mime Institute), Mizu to Abura (Water and Oil) became a foursome three years later when Reina Suga, another institute graduate, joined them.
In 1996, Mizu to Abura became the only Japanese company to win the prestigious Herald Angel Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and then embarked on a sell-out world tour, including shows in Europe, the United States, Australia and Thailand. After that, it wasn't long before this small troupe, moving on the margins of theater and contemporary dance, began to make its mark in Europe, where their performance at the Avignon Theatre Festival in 2000 drew critical acclaim.
With their international reputation assured, last year Mizu to Abura finally made it in Japan, scooping two major accolades in the shape of both the Asahi Performing Arts Award and the Kirin Dance Support Award. Their popularity is such that last week's short run of their production "Schedule" at Setagaya Public Theatre's cozy Theatre Tram saw the place packed, with young fans lining up for standing tickets.