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In his new work, “(glowing),” onstage at EMPAC Friday, Japanese choreographer Kota Yamazaki creates minimalism out of information overload.

His inspirations include, in no particular order: an essay by author Junichiro Tanizaki on the Japanese aesthetics of darkness and shadows; the moody, slo-mo dance form known as butoh; Japanese home design; traditional African dance; and contemporary and classical movement.

In Friday’s premiere, Yamazaki’s ethereal-looking dancers will be joined by dancers from Senegal and Ethiopia. The choreographer studied fashion design in Tokyo before segueing into the dance world, and won a Bessie Award in 2007 for his work with the Senegalese company Jant-Bi.

He’s now based in New York City with his company, Fluid hug-hug.

On Saturday, March 31, Yamazaki and his dancers led a free public dance workshop at EMPAC that featured both traditional African dance and butoh.

At a glance
KOTA YAMAZAKI/FLUID HUG-HUG: “(GLOWING)”
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: EMPAC, 110 Eighth St., Troy
Tickets: $18
Info: 276-3921 or http://empac.rpi.edu