From his first foray into the industry to his recent, self-produced work, I’ve had a front-row seat watching Luka’s artistry evolve. Luka Kawabata possesses a unique ability to bring people together through bridging everything he loves beit music, language, identity, or food and turning it into something meaningful. Whether he’s embodying Le Dancaïre in Carmen or unpacking his mixed Nikkei identity in The HAFU ハーフ Project, Luka brings you into the work with him, not just as an observer, but as a participant.
The HAFU ハーフ Project wasn’t just a show, it was a declaration. It was Luka peeling back the layers of himself on stage, as Japanese, Swedish, Canadian, queer, Nikkei, and inviting others to reflect. He crafts his work from lived experience, cultural intersections, and a relentless drive to explore identity in all its complexity.
Funnily enough, Luka also has a degree in Civil Engineering – he literally studied how to build bridges. Now, he does it through art: connecting cultures, generations, and disciplines with care and intention. He shines especially in the in-between: in digital projects, in writing, in his tireless efforts to make space for voices like his.
Luka’s work is deeply personal, and that’s what makes it universal. Every project, every role, every conversation is a chance for him to share, connect, and uplift others, especially for those who don’t always see themselves on stage.
He’s also someone who shows up fully for his collaborators. He looks to support younger artists, not out of ego, but out of a genuine desire to make the arts more honest.
Luka is always experimenting, learning and listening. He is a curious, creative, heartfelt artist who never stops asking questions about culture, identity, language, and what it means to belong. He reminds you why you started making art in the first place.
-Written by Jeremy Reay
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Which neighbourhood are you in?
I live in the West End! It’s one of my favourite parts of the city, because there is a real sense of community, surrounded by nature, while combined with the accessibility of the city. In summer, it’s one of the busiest parts of town, next to the beach. In winter, you are still able to enjoy the scenery…just with less crowds.
What do you do?
I am an operatic baritone and producer, amongst many disciplines, as many artists can relate to. I’ve worked across the country from Vancouver to St. John’s with opera companies on a variety of projects and productions. Some of my favourites include residencies with Pacific Opera Victoria and Manitoba Opera, Puccini’s “La Bohème” in Edmonton and premiering my own work, titled “The HAFU Project”, with City Opera Vancouver. I derive my inspiration from the pursuit to broaden ideas of how classical music and language can intersect with art to build new experiences. In my spare time, I love learning languages – currently, I have 20 in progress!
What are you currently working on?
I work as an arts administrator with the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival and am constantly dreaming up new projects to produce myself.
Where can we find your work?
The best place to stay up to date with my work is through my website and all social media platforms! If you like educational content about music, language and culture, you might just see my face popping up everywhere you look!
