For this season (Spring 2025), we are featuring “Aizome” dye and “Washi” paper culture from Tokushima Prefecture, the home of Awa Odori dance.

Note:

JPA’s “Discovery within Traditions: Kimono, Dance & Music – Spring 2025” is our annual Free Public Program. There will be 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm shows (i.e twice on the show date).

The doors open at 2:40pm (for the 3pm show) and at 6:10pm (for the 6:30pm show)

In order to ensure the seat availability (the theater capacity is limited up to160seats), please make sure to make your booking via Eventbrite. Without a booking, you may not be able to enter the theater. The seats are going to be assigned by first-come, first-served basis, so with your booking, we recommend you to come to the theater early.

The show is roughly divided into the parts of: Nihon Buyo, Kimono Culture, and Awa Odori. Each has its core cultural values that are important in Japanese culture. The show will explain such essential details.

For Nihon Buyo, classical dance pieces of “Seigaiha,” “Kanda Matsuri,” and “Ayame Yukata” will be shown together with the explanations of subtle movements of the female dancers in “Ohikizuri” costume. Nihon Buyo is a very unique dance. One of the reasons is the costume of Kimono. If without the costume, the movements and the dance form could look extremely ridiculous or unnatural. JPA has been aiming to explain such Nihon Buyo details as much as possible.

From about three years ago, JPA has been giving spotlight on one of the characteristics of kimono costume, which we have been calling as “Kimono: Tradition of Sustainable Fashion” explaining the eco-friendly aspects of Kimono culture. Many amazing hand-craftsmanship techniques are involved in the art of Kimono. JPA has been paying attention to the lack of succession issues for such craftsmanship in Japan, so our activities include the introduction of these impressive traditional techniques. At this show, we will introduce Tokushima Prefecture’s proud “Japan Blue” color “Aizome” dye and “Washi” paper also from Tokushima.

Tokushima Prefecture has one of the largest dance festivals in Japan: “Awa Odori.” It is not simply a dance for a festival, but it is one of the “Bon Odori” dances that are rooted in a Buddhist ritual in the mid-summer season all over Japan. There are “Bon Odori” dances that are commonly danced all over Japan as well as ones very specific from the localities. “Awa Odori” is one of the very unique dances from Tokushima Prefecture.

We’re thrilled to share that Nodoka Yamamura, a contemporary washi artist born in Tokyo and now based in Tokushima, will be exhibiting her beautiful works – featuring AIZOME (Indigo), SAKURA (Cherry Blossoms), and her signature “NODOKA” patterns – outside the venue entrance. Artworks will be available for purchase. She will also be performing in the Awa Odori dance during the event-don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience her artistry in both visual and performance forms!

This is a two-our show. There will be a desk at the first floor of Symphony Space theater. Please show your booking confirmation at the desk and enter Leonard Nimoy Theater downstairs.

See you at the theater!!