DEN Tokyo
The performers who carry this work. From programmes for children to evenings for connoisseurs, we match the artist to the occasion.
Nihon Buyo — Artistic Director
若柳 尚雄里
Began Nihon Buyo at two and has performed ever since, while also training in ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, hip-hop and tap from the age of four. Known for a strong core and control of the contrast between stillness and motion, across both classical and original repertoire.
Nihon Buyo — Assistant to the Director
若柳 真鈴
Began studying under Naoyuri Wakayagi at the age of two in 2011 and made her first stage appearance the same year. Qualified as a natori — a licensed stage name — of the Seiha Wakayagi school in March 2021, and won a prize at the National Dance Competition the following month.
Nihon Buyo — Mushin, General Manager
若柳 慶次郎
Trained in Nihon Buyo from childhood and began serious study at sixteen under the teacher he still follows. Awarded the title of Grand Master within the Wakayagi-ryu Jukei-kai, and won an Award of Excellence in 2003. Also works as a choreographer and sound editor, and co-founded Mushin in 2014.
Nihon Buyo — Mushin, Deputy Manager
勝見 嘉之
Born in Asakusa, Tokyo. Studied under his grandfather from the age of three and first performed at five. A direct disciple of the head of the Katsumi-ryu, he choreographs for kabuki actors and coaches movement for theatre companies and talent agencies. Named successor to the school in 2017; runs five studios centred on Ginza.
Nihon Buyo
西崎 櫻鼓
First performed at two. In 2008 she succeeded to the name Oko as heir to the Nishizaki-ryu Midori-kai. A member of the cross-school company Odori no Kukan, she has toured widely on programmes organised by the Japan Foundation, and teaches children's kabuki and workshops for international students.
Nihon Buyo
花柳 斉明
Began training at four and studied classical and original dance at Nihon University College of Art, qualifying as a Hanayagi-ryu instructor in 2005. Teaches in a schools appreciation programme in Edogawa, Tokyo, and choreographs for community musicals and television commercials.
Tate (stage combat)
殺陣集団 鴉
Formed by actors working across stage and screen under the motto "innovation within tradition". The company layers contemporary action and Nihon Buyo onto classical swordplay technique, with an explicitly international outlook.
Tate — Director, Karasu
亀山 博昭
With Toei since 2004. His footwork draws on a background in Shorinji Kempo and judo, producing a light, precise sword line. Has co-led the company's overseas productions, and works as a fight director and consultant for stage and screen.
Tate — Deputy Director & Stage Director
兼田 玲菜
Studied dance from six and acting from fourteen. Works as director, choreographer, set and lighting designer. Since her first solo overseas performance in 2015 she has built a signature form that weaves calligraphy, Japanese instruments, dance and swordplay into a single narrative, touring mainly in Europe.
Tate (stage combat)
濵田 一也
Trained at Toei Kyoto Studios from 2004 in swordplay, Nihon Buyo and acting, with credits in film, television and theatre. His style is dynamic and dance-like, rooted in classical period-drama form. Within the company he leads fundamentals training.
Tea Ceremony & Cultural Direction
和ノトキ（倉元 万貴）
Founder of Wa-no-Toki, producing tea gatherings, exhibitions, tea service at department stores and public events, lessons, and journeys to visit craftspeople in their workshops. Also teaches tea to children.
Nagauta & Shamisen
諷花 彩
Born in Tokyo; began nagauta at five and later studied shamisen with her grandmother. Graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts in nagauta. Her original "nagauta pop" project has appeared at Japan Expo in France three years running, and toured the UK, Belgium and Taiwan. She also teaches workshops in English.
Nagauta Shamisen & Composition
簑田 弘大
Born in Tokyo in 1983 to two shamisen musicians. Graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts in nagauta shamisen. A prize-winner in both composition and performance competitions, he writes for film, games, commercials and television, and has performed in dozens of countries.
Shakuhachi
菊地 河山
Born in Fukushima in 1986. Studied under the Living National Treasure Hozan Yamamoto, and passed both the associate and full master examinations of the Tozan school at the top of his year, receiving the name Kozan. Has performed with local musicians in the United States, Turkey and Korea.
Koto
鈴木 麻衣
Began koto at three and studied Ikuta-school koto and jiuta shamisen from fourteen. Graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts, receiving the Ataka Prize during her studies and the Acanthus Music Prize on graduation. Has performed and taught in Korea, China, Singapore, Germany and India.
Koto
朝隈 歌褒葵
From Kagoshima; learned koto from her mother and first performed at five. Qualified as a Chikushi-kai instructor in 1997. Has appeared at cultural exchange events in Jeollabuk-do, Korea, and continues to perform and teach.
Taiko
シンゴ
Professional debut in 2011; joined Shuichi Hidano's ensemble in 2013. Has toured five countries in Central America and, as part of the flute-and-drum duo Todoroki, Benin, Gabon and Italy. Also performs at large arena tours and gaming events in Japan.
Calligrapher
朔馬
Named an international friendship member of the National Palace Museum and an honorary member of the Royal Society of British Artists in 2018, the same year he directed the interior concept for a Honda retail complex. Awarded an international peace medal by the National Gandhi Museum in India in 2017.
Japanese Percussion
冨田 慎平
From Obihiro, Hokkaido; graduated in percussion from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music. Has appeared at Suntory Hall, on NHK folk-music programmes and NHK World, and with the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. Trained separately in nagauta percussion, Edo sato-kagura and folk percussion.
Mizuhiki Artist
舟木 香織
Studied mizuhiki (decorative paper cord) from 2010 and began selling her own ceremonial envelopes in 2015. Has exhibited and taught in Taipei, been invited to Japan's largest inbound tourism event, and run pop-ups at Isetan, Tokyu Plaza and the Sumida Hokusai Museum.
Calligrapher & Performer
今泉 岐葉
Writes title lettering and logos for films, books, albums and products, matching the brush style to the meaning of the words. Known for large-scale live calligraphy performances. Holds a teaching licence in calligraphy from Chiba University.
DEN Tokyo welcomes applications from young performers of the Japanese traditional arts. Selection is by audition — please get in touch through the contact form.
Contact
You do not need to have chosen a programme. Tell us the size of the room, how long you can give us, and who will be watching — we will propose the rest.
