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|
 Barefoot
first came into existence as BCEI (Barefoot Cultural Exchange
Initiative) in 1993, a non profit organisation set up for
the purpose of promoting cultural exchange between Japan
and the UK, through football and music. Since its humble
beginnings, over 10 years have now passed and we have succeeded
in helping over 500 young people to widen their horizons
and pursue their dreams. In 1998 we expanded and set up Barefoot
Communications which, based on the same basic philosophy
of promoting understanding between different cultures, focuses
on the professional arena in both football and music, providing
services such as artist / player management, marketing, production
and media support. |
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| Company name |
Barefoot Communications
Ltd |
Established |
5th December 1993 |
| Registered Address |
London Head
Office
31 Grand Union Crescent
London
E8 4TR
T: 020-7684 6052, F: 020-7684
6052
E: info@barefootuk.co.uk |
Tokyo Office
6F
4-3-1 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo,
Japan
111-0053
T: 03-3865
3636, F: 03-5835 3569
E: infojapan@barefootuk.co.uk |
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Professional bassist, music producer, educator. Kuma
first came to London in 1971, and as bass player with
his band "The Breakfast Band" had a No 1 Clubchart
hit in 1980. Kuma has recorded, produced and toured with
many notable figures from the music world, including
Kate Bush, Van Morrison, Imai Miki and Hotei Tomoyasu.
Since 1996 he has become one of the leading figures in
promoting grass roots cultural exchange through sport
and music. As well as helping to set up a range of sports
exchange programmes, he has also been instrumental in
setting up creative music workshops in both Japan and
Britain. In acknowledgment of his outstanding contribution
to inter-cultural understanding, Kuma was invited to
Downing Street to meet with the Prime Minister Tony Blair
and Emperor Akihito on the occasion of the Emperor's
visit to the UK in June 1998. |
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| To further understanding and promote cultural
exchange between Japan and the UK through sport, music and other arts |
 |
| When we first set up our recording studio in
London, we followed the Japanese tradition and introduced a "no
shoes" or "barefoot" policy. Also in the name is a play-on-word
on our chairman's nickname Kuma which means "bear" in Japanese.
Nowadays the name reflects our belief in the importance of promoting
cultural exchange at grassroots level. |
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| 1993 |
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BCEI established.
Set up London Office. |
| 1994 |
In partnership with Leyton Orient
FC brought our first Japanese football players to the UK |
| 1996 |
Set up the Crown & Manor
International Soccer Academy |
| 1998 |
Set up Barefoot Communications
and the Tokyo Office.
In partnership with the London Symphony Orchestra
opened one of the first ever music workshops for children in Sapporo.
In
acknowledgment of his outstanding contribution to inter-cultural
understanding, Kuma Harada was invited to Downing Street to meet
with the Prime Minister Tony Blair and Emperor Akihito on the
occasion of the Emperor's visit to the UK. |
| 2000 |
In conjunction with Arsenal FC,
Oaklands College and Nike, set up Arsenal Ladies academy.
Invited
by the Japan Orchestra Association, to open music workshops throughout
Japan together with the Royal Opera House and Japan Philharmonic
Orchestra |
| 2001 |
Japanese national team player
Megumi Ogawa breaks into the Arsenal Ladies 1st XI, as the first
ever player from Japan to play in top-flight football in England.
Contracted with Arsenal FC to provide interpreting, media support,
and general pastoral care for Japanese world cup star Junichi Inamoto.
Set
up " the Kabuki Story", as part of Japan 2001,
fronted by famous Kabuki actor Matazo Nakamura. |
| 2002 |
During World Cup 2002, contracted
with ITV Sport, providing media support and co-ordination services
for their coverage of the England team.
Further developed partnership
with Royal Opera House and Japan Philharmonic Orchestra to expand
music workshops in Japan. |
| 2003 |
Managed Japan National Team Goalkeeper
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.
In conjunction with the FA, set up the FA
International Coaching Licence Course for Japanese coaches. |
| 2004 |
In partnership with Arsenal FC.
Set up the first ever Arsenal Soccer School in Japan. |
| 2006 |
Entered partnership with
Ryman Premier League club Boreham Wood FC,
Oaklands College, Hertswood School and Crest Schools of English,
to further
develop our soccer academy concept. |
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