Dance has been an intrinsic part of Japanese culture for centuries, deeply woven into its myths, rituals, and entertainment. Legend tells of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, who brought darkness upon the world by retreating into a cave after a quarrel with her brother Susanoo. It was Uzume, the goddess of revelry, whose captivating dance finally lured Amaterasu out, restoring light to the world. From these mythical origins to the present day, Japanese Dance has evolved into a rich tapestry of styles, influenced by indigenous traditions and foreign cultures.
Here’s an exploration of some captivating forms of Japanese dance that you can witness across Japan.
Sacred Dances: Connecting with the Divine
The close relationship between the imperial court and Shinto religion, rooted in the Emperor’s lineage as a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, fostered the development of sacred dances. Kagura, ritualistic dances performed to entertain and honor the gods, became an integral part of courtly practices. Initially, masked dancers in elaborate costumes representing deities and demons enacted scenes from Japanese mythology through dance. This sacred art form then spread to prominent shrines like Ise and Izumo, branching out into diverse regional styles. You might unknowingly have encountered kagura elements in popular culture, such as the energetic lion dance (shishimai) or the graceful shrine maiden dance (mikomai), both of which are subtly referenced in the globally acclaimed animated film Your Name (Kimi No Na Wa).
During the Nara period (710-794 AD), Japan absorbed significant cultural influences from China and other Asian nations. This era saw the introduction of gagaku music, a refined orchestral style, accompanied by bugaku dance. Bugaku is characterized by its stately, deliberate movements and dancers often adorned in opulent costumes, sometimes incorporating accessories like masks, hats, swords, or butterfly wings. Reaching its zenith during the Heian period (794-1185 AD), bugaku was exclusively enjoyed by the aristocratic circles of the imperial court. However, its popularity waned as political power shifted from the Emperor to the Shōgun during the Kamakura period (1185-1333 AD).
To experience these mesmerizing sacred dances, visit shrines and temples, where they are often performed as central events or integral parts of religious ceremonies. Venues like Gion Corner in Kyoto and the National Theater of Japan in Tokyo also occasionally host performances.
Folk Dances: Celebrating Community and Tradition
Many Japanese folk dances have roots intertwined with Buddhism, possibly originating from dances performed by nuns, monks, and religious practitioners. The most widely recognized Japanese folk dance is Bon Odori, performed during Obon, the Buddhist festival dedicated to honoring ancestral spirits. While its religious connections have lessened over time, Bon Odori remains a cherished tradition for many Japanese people, offering a joyful opportunity for community bonding and spirited celebration.
Traditionally, Bon Odori is danced in a circle around a raised platform called a yagura, where musicians play shamisen and taiko drums, providing the rhythmic heartbeat of the dance. Numerous regions boast their own traditional Bon Odori songs, such as Tokyo Ondo in Tokyo and Kawachi Ondo in the Kansai region. However, contemporary Bon Odori events often incorporate modern music genres like enka, J-Pop, disco, and even anime theme songs, demonstrating its adaptability and enduring appeal.
Folk dances in Japan showcase diverse origins and contemporary expressions. Modern dance festivals frequently feature groups of dancers parading through city streets or performing on stages. While countless regional folk dance styles exist, some have achieved nationwide recognition and are performed across the country.
Festivals (matsuri), especially those held during Obon in August, are the prime locations to witness Bon Odori and other captivating folk dances. Numerous events also take place throughout the warmer months, offering ample opportunities to experience these vibrant traditions. For a unique cultural experience, consider venturing north to Hokkaido to witness the distinctive traditional dances and music of the indigenous Ainu people.
Performing Arts: Dance on Stage
Japan boasts a rich heritage of performing arts, including traditional theater forms like Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku, all of which have their roots in dance. However, Japanese dance extends far beyond these renowned theatrical styles.
Nihon Buyō is a prominent genre of traditional Japanese dance specifically designed for stage performance. In Nihon Buyō, dancers communicate narratives and emotions through graceful movements and gestures, rather than relying on spoken words. It encompasses various subgenres, ranging from the flamboyant Kabuki Buyō, performed in the elaborate settings, makeup, and costumes characteristic of Kabuki theater, to the understated Su Odori. Su Odori features dancers in simple kimonos, utilizing a fan as their primary prop, skillfully manipulating it to represent diverse objects like a bow, flute, or even a sake bottle. A more contemporary form, Sōsaku Buyō, incorporates original themes and modern choreography, demonstrating the ongoing evolution of Nihon Buyō.
When discussing professional entertainers in Japan, the elegant geisha immediately come to mind. Geisha undergo rigorous training in various arts, including music and dance. They possess their own distinct genre of Nihon Buyō known as Kamigata Mai, typically characterized by its slow, refined, and gentle movements, infused with the geisha’s unique artistry and grace. Kamigata Mai can be performed at intimate private gatherings or on larger stages during public events throughout the year.
The modern era has also witnessed the emergence of new and innovative dance genres. The all-female musical theater troupe Takarazuka Revue, established in 1914, presents dazzling performances that blend dance, song, and drama. Butoh, a strikingly avant-garde and often grotesque dance form, originated in Japan in the 1960s and has since gained international recognition and is performed worldwide.
Beyond Traditional Forms: Embracing Global Dance Influences
While deeply rooted in tradition, Japanese dance culture also embraces diverse global dance forms. Surprisingly, Japan hosts a vibrant carnival scene, most notably the Asakusa Samba Carnival in Tokyo, a lively spectacle of Brazilian samba rhythms and costumes. For those with a penchant for classical dance, companies like the Tokyo Ballet offer captivating ballet performances. Furthermore, the energy and dynamism of youth dance are showcased in nationwide high school dance competitions, such as the Tomioka Dance Club from Osaka, who gained national fame for their innovative routines.
The world of Japanese dance is incredibly diverse, with the styles mentioned here representing just a glimpse of its vast spectrum. If you are an enthusiast of dance, Japan offers countless opportunities to witness captivating performances and even learn some steps yourself. As the famous saying associated with Awa Odori goes, encapsulating the spirit of Japanese dance: “The dancers are fools, the watchers are fools; both are fools alike, so why not dance?“
