Awase – Performance experience to enjoy contradiction

The archetype of “play” in Japan can be traced back to “awase”, the act of “matching” – of placing dirrering object with or against each other to bring about pleasing results. In ancient times, players on opposing side would each present an object and them, together, compare and contrast the objects to find their similarities and differences. The goal of “awase” was not merge two objects into one, but rather to enjoy the change in perception that happens when two objects are put together.