June 2020
The Bagri Foundation has formed a partnership with the renowned podcast 99% Invisible, of the Radiotopia podcast network from PRX.
Created and hosted by Roman Mars, 99% Invisible explores the unnoticed architecture and design that shapes our world, including visuals, infrastructure, sound, cities, objects, history and technology. Mutually driven by curiosity, the Bagri Foundation supports one new episode focusing on Asian art and architecture. Released on 23 June 2020, the episode titled Return of the Yokai was brought to listeners by 99% Invisible producer Vivian Le. Exploring the development of mascots throughout Japanese history, the episode looks at Amabié, one of many “yokai,” or spirits, from Japanese folklore. Their stories sprouted out of Japan’s ancient religious history of Shintoism and have echoed to the present day pop culture. Once you understand their history, it is possible to trace the influence of yokai in manga, video games, and more, including mascots channeling Amabié in order to bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organiser’s bio
PRX is a non-profit, public media organization shaping the future of audio by producing and distributing content, building technology, and training talented, independent producers. With an award-winning portfolio ranging from iconic public radio programs such as The World, This American Life, The Moth Radio Hour, TED Talks Daily, The Takeaway, and Reveal, as well as a growing body of podcast-first productions, including the Radiotopia podcast network, PRX reaches more than 28.5 million listeners and generates close to 80 million podcast downloads per month.
99% Invisible is about all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about—the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world. 99% Invisible started as a project of KALW Public Radio and the American Institute of Architects in San Francisco and is now a podcast heard by millions. The show’s host and creator Roman Mars is a founding member of the Radiotopia podcast collective, of which 99% Invisible is a part.
