Category: Japanese tradition

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Butoh Contemporary dance Japanese tradition

Ballet x butoh x kabuki : A dance remembered in Tohno

From December 26 to December 28, the contemporary dance company of K-Ballet, Opto, associated with the famous butoh dancer, Akaji Maro and the French-Japanese kabuki wonderboy Onoe will premiere A dance remember in Tohno in Brillia hall (Ikebukuro). Revolving around a mythical young kamikaze and its pains, performed by the company who enchanted us with their Petit collection in 2022, and 2 great individuals, this is a show not to be missed – as of Dec.18, there were still places available.
For more information there is a great article in Japan Times here

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Dance English subtitles Japanese tradition Theater

Launch of new festival for Traditional Performing Arts in Tokyo

The Meetup for Edo-Tokyo Traditional Performing Arts will take place from January to March 2026. This new festival focuses on Performing arts originating from the 14th century, like Noh, Kyogen, Gagaku, to more modern forms such as Japanese traditional dance or popular street arts and folkloric customs, covering theater, music and dance. The programme is rich and diverse, and inclusive of Non-Japanese figures, both with an accessible website and linguistic support for most performances. Even for those most attracted to new performing arts forms, it is a chance to have a glimpse into tradition and enrich the perception of the contemporary scene. Spread over Tokyo, it will offer glimpses of the various places which accomodate tradition in the city.

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Japanese tradition

Bunraku, puppet theater for amateurs and beginners

The National Theatre presents at the TMT a Bunraku performance for beginners with English subtitles, from December 4th to December 18th, in Ikebukuro. The program will feature 2 plays, Manzai and Kokusen Ya Kassen, and in-between will deliver explanations on Bunraku, moves, specificities, and how to enjoy it.

For more spectacles in the months to come :
– Tokyo stages from October to December
– Tokyo stages 2026, January to March
And for Japanese traditional performing arts
– Enjoying Japan traditional performing arts in Tokyo and beyond

Categories
Japanese tradition Theater

Unfulfilled ghost and monster, contemporary musical theater with Noh background

From February 3 to March 1st, KAAT presents a new release of Tokichi Okada Unfulfilled Ghost and Monster. A musical drama referring and employing Noh form, this is an update of Okada‘s original work created at KAAT already in 2021. As in his latest work, Dance Juror’s dance, the director and playwright incorporates other performing arts in his work, in this case he enhances further his play with music. Although the play will be performed in Japanese only, according to existing information, it will for sure be one of the remarkable plays in 2026, and definitely worth attending. Tickets will be on sale from November 23.

For other spectacles, check here for end of 2025, and here for first quarter of 2026.

Categories
Dance Japanese tradition

Nihon Buyo, 66th edition

On February 21st and 22nd, the 66th edition of the Japanese Buyo Associations will take place in Asakusa public hall. A number of groups will present Japanese traditional dances. It is a unique chance to sample the diversity of this traditional arts, and established dancers as well as young performers will be on stage, in some cases proposing a renewed perspective. A must see to have a broad view, in one instance, of this centuries old tradition. This event is part of TominFes, the Capital Citizens Festival.
https://tomin-fes.com/list/nichibu01.html