Dance has been an intrinsic part of Japanese culture for millennia, deeply woven into the nation’s history, mythology, and spiritual practices. From ancient myths of goddesses dancing to bring back the sun, to vibrant contemporary performances, dancing in Japan offers a captivating journey through the country’s rich artistic heritage. Discover the diverse forms of Japanese dance, each with its unique history, style, and cultural significance.
Sacred Dances: Connecting with the Divine
The roots of Japanese dance can be traced back to sacred rituals performed to appease and entertain the gods (kami). One of the earliest forms, Kagura, is a Shinto ritual dance believed to have originated from the myth of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, who was lured out of a cave by the goddess Uzume’s captivating dance. Originally performed at the imperial court, Kagura dances were narrative, using masked and elaborately costumed dancers to enact scenes from Japanese mythology. This tradition spread to major shrines like Ise and Izumo and evolved into various regional styles. Today, you might witness echoes of Kagura in popular forms like the energetic lion dance (Shishimai) often seen during festivals, or the graceful shrine maiden dance (Mikomai), recognizable to many from the anime film Your Name (Kimi No Na Wa).
During the Nara period (710-794), influences from China and other parts of Asia introduced new forms of dance and music to Japan. Bugaku, accompanied by Gagaku music, emerged as a stately and refined court dance. Bugaku is characterized by its slow, measured movements and opulent costumes. Dancers often wear elaborate masks and use accessories like swords, hats, or even butterfly wings to enhance their performance. Reaching its zenith during the Heian period (794-1185), Bugaku was primarily enjoyed by the aristocratic elite and gradually declined in popularity as political power shifted away from the imperial court.
To experience these sacred dances, visit shrines and temples throughout Japan. They are often performed as part of religious ceremonies or special festivals. For a curated showcase, venues like Gion Corner in Kyoto and the National Theater of Japan in Tokyo occasionally feature performances of Kagura and Bugaku.
Folk Dances: Celebrating Community and Tradition
Many Japanese folk dances have origins linked to Buddhist practices, possibly evolving from dances performed by monks, nuns, and religious practitioners. The most iconic Japanese folk dance is Bon Odori, performed during the Obon festival. Obon is a Buddhist observance honoring ancestral spirits, and Bon Odori dances were initially religious in nature. However, over time, the religious association has lessened, and for many Japanese people today, Bon Odori is a joyful community event.
Typically, Bon Odori takes place around a raised central stage called a yagura, where musicians play shamisen and taiko drums, providing the rhythm for the dancers. Many regions boast their own distinctive Bon Odori songs, such as Tokyo Ondo in Tokyo and Kawachi Ondo in the Kansai region. Interestingly, modern Bon Odori events often incorporate contemporary music, including enka, J-Pop, disco, and even anime theme songs, demonstrating the dance’s adaptability and enduring appeal.
Beyond Bon Odori, diverse folk dances exist throughout Japan, often reflecting local histories and traditions. Modern folk dance festivals frequently feature groups performing elaborate routines in streets and on stages. While numerous regional styles thrive, some of the most famous, like Awa Odori and Yosakoi, are widely practiced and performed across Japan.
Festivals (matsuri), particularly during the Obon season in August, are the best places to witness Bon Odori and other folk dances. Numerous local festivals throughout the warmer months also feature these vibrant communal dances. For a unique cultural experience, consider venturing to Hokkaido to witness the traditional dances and music of the indigenous Ainu people.
Performing Arts: Dance as Storytelling and Spectacle
Japan boasts a rich tradition of performing arts, including traditional theater forms like Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku puppet theater, all of which have roots in dance. However, stage-based dance extends beyond these theatrical forms.
Nihon Buyō is a genre of traditional Japanese dance specifically designed for stage performance. Unlike some dance forms focused on ritual or communal celebration, Nihon Buyō emphasizes storytelling. Dancers convey emotions and narratives through stylized movements, gestures, and expressions, rather than through spoken dialogue. Nihon Buyō encompasses various subgenres, from the flamboyant Kabuki Buyō, performed within Kabuki theater productions with elaborate costumes and makeup, to the restrained Su Odori. In Su Odori, dancers wear simple kimonos and primarily utilize a fan as a prop. The fan becomes a versatile tool, symbolically representing objects like a bow, a flute, or even a sake bottle. A more contemporary form, Sōsaku Buyō, incorporates original themes and modern choreography into the framework of Nihon Buyō.
Another significant aspect of Japanese performing arts is the dance of the geisha. Geisha, renowned for their elegance and artistry, undergo rigorous training in music and dance. Their style of Nihon Buyō, known as Kamigata Mai, is characterized by slow, graceful, and refined movements, reflecting the geisha’s cultivated poise. Kamigata Mai can be performed at intimate private gatherings or on larger stages during public events.
Modern Japan has also witnessed the emergence of innovative dance genres. The all-female Takarazuka Revue, a unique form of musical theater established in 1914, incorporates dance as a central element of its spectacular performances. In contrast, Butoh, a modern and avant-garde dance form born in Japan in the 1960s, is characterized by its grotesque and often unsettling imagery, now performed internationally.
To witness Nihon Buyō and other performing arts, explore theaters and cultural centers throughout Japan. Gion Corner in Kyoto offers a glimpse into various traditional performing arts, while the Takarazuka Theater in Hyogo provides the dazzling spectacle of the Takarazuka Revue.
Beyond Tradition: Global Dance Influences
While deeply rooted in tradition, dancing in Japan also embraces global influences. Unexpectedly, you can even experience a vibrant Samba carnival in Asakusa, Tokyo, showcasing Japan’s openness to diverse cultural expressions. For ballet enthusiasts, companies like the Tokyo Ballet offer world-class performances. Furthermore, the popularity of dance extends to schools, with high school dance clubs, like the Tomioka Dance Club from Osaka, gaining national recognition for their innovative and energetic performances.
This overview only scratches the surface of the vast and fascinating world of dancing in Japan. Whether you are interested in witnessing ancient ritual dances, participating in lively folk festivals, or appreciating refined stage performances, Japan offers countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the art of dance. As the famous Awa Odori song suggests, “The dancers are fools, The watchers are fools, Both are fools alike so, Why not dance?” – embrace the spirit and discover the joy of dance in Japan.
