Creative Expression of Cultural Collision
Seiya Matsumiya/Erik Reiff
This talk delves into the cultural collisions that shape creativity, offering a glimpse into how diverse influences can elevate artistic expression. We’ll explore the ways these intersections spark innovation, using real-world examples to illustrate how creativity thrives when contrasting forces come together. By sharing stories of notable musical projects, we’ll highlight how unexpected collaborations and cultural synergy lead to impactful and resonant works.
Through this exploration, we aim to uncover the deeper layers of creativity, showing how embracing diversity and embracing the unexpected can result in meaningful artistic outcomes. This session is not just about the music itself but about the process, the challenges, and the beauty that emerge when cultures, ideas, and perspectives collide.
Join us for an engaging discussion on how these dynamics inspire creativity in music and beyond, offering fresh insights for anyone passionate about the transformative power of cultural exchange.
Seiya Matsumiya
CEO & Founder
Black Cat White Cat Music
Tokyo
Seiya Matsumiya is the co-founder and CEO of Black Cat White Cat Music. His musical journey began in the vibrant Southern California music scene of the early 2000s. After studying at Berklee College of Music, he returned to Los Angeles to pursue a career as an artist, performing alongside acclaimed musicians such as Flea, Cat Power, and Maroon 5, while simultaneously crafting music for film, television, and advertising. In 2018, Seiya founded Black Cat White Cat Music in Tokyo, where his creative vision has driven the production of music for both local and global advertising campaigns. His work has earned prestigious accolades and invitations to jury panels at Cannes Lions, CICLOPE Berlin, the One Show, and the Clio Awards. Expanding its horizons, Black Cat White Cat Music has also ventured into film and series, including its celebrated contributions to the A24 film After Yang (2022) and Netflix’s Beyond Goodbye (2024), which held the #1 spot in Japan for weeks after its release. When not in Tokyo, Seiya enjoys the serene coastal charm of Kobe, where he finds inspiration and balance.
Erik Reiff
CCO & Founding Partner
Black Cat White Cat Music
Tokyo
Erik has spent over a decade creating music across different worlds—video games, advertising, and beyond. Born in Manila and raised in Tokyo, he honed his craft in the UK at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, where he even had a songwriting lesson with Sir Paul McCartney. After years of performing in the UK, he returned to Tokyo to produce and direct artists, contributing to notable game titles like Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid. Since 2016, Erik has worked on global campaigns for brands like Nissan, Uniqlo, and Audi, earning industry recognition with awards such as Cannes Lions Grand Prix, ADFEST Lotus and Clios. As a Founding Partner and CCO of Black Cat White Cat Music, Erik balances his work in advertising with projects in film, TV, and artist production, while also serving as a juror for prestigious awards including ADFEST, One Show, Ciclope Asia, and Dubai Lynx.
THURSDAY 20 MARCH
FRIDAY 21 MARCH
SATURDAY 22 MARCH
PROGRAM
THURSDAY 20 MARCH
FRIDAY 21 MARCH