Kyoto Butoh Experience
Photo Tatsuki Katayama
Kyoto Butoh Experience
Kyoto Butoh Experience aims to introduce and experience the philosophy and choreography method of "Butoh," a dance form originating in Japan, to international travelers visiting the country. It is the only organization in Japan that offers weekly Butoh workshops specifically designed for overseas visitors. The instructor, Daiji Meguro, is a disciple in the direct lineage of Tatsumi Hijikata, the founder of Butoh. After a Butoh demonstration by the instructor, participants will experience the fundamentals and choreography method of Butoh. The workshops are open to a broad audience, from complete beginners to professional dancers, regardless of age or gender. The workshop is for around 10 people, allowing time for focused experience.
Workshop
Video Tatsuki Katayama
Demonstration
Video Tatsuki Katayama
Course
Sessions Until March 31
These course structures apply to sessions held until March 31.
If you are booking for April or later, please scroll down to the updated course information below.
From April and May only
From April and May only, the course structures will offer deeper exploration and more detailed guidance.
Butoh
"DEAD1" Ko&Edge Choreography: Ko Murobushi
Photo Ikeda Hiraku
Butoh is said to have originated in 1959 with Tatsumi Hijikata's dance piece Kinjiki (Forbidden colors). In its early days, Butoh rejected conventional aesthetic concepts of the body, finding beauty in pain, weakness, ugliness, distortion, and even death. Over time, various forms of expression have emerged through Butoh companies such as Dairakudakan, Sankai Juku, and Byakko Sya, as well as individual Butoh artists like Ko Murobushi and Akira Kasai. Today, new expressions of Butoh are being explored not only in Japan but also by artists around the world.
Daiji Meguro
Daiji Meguro studied Butoh under Tatsumi Hijikata's wife Akiko Motofuji and was a member of Asbestos Studio from 2001 to 2003. He was a member of Ko&Edge Co., established by Ko Murobushi, from 2003 to 2010. In 2004, He established his own Butoh company NUDE. It was active until 2009. He has been working as a solo Butoh dancer and choreographer since 2009. In 2010, he studied abroad in New York City as a member of the "Program of Overseas Study for Upcoming Artists", sponsored by the Japanese government. He aims to create and present the human body through Butoh in a way that is contemporary and accessible.