Japanese dance performed by a host — a unique fusion once again! Second performance of “‘Amorous Life of a Man’ – Yamamura-ryu Traditional Japanese Dance Maizarae” confirmed
Smappa!Group Press release: October 17, 2025 To Members of the Press Japanese dance performed by a host — a unique fusion once again! The second performance of “Amorous Life Man: Yamamura-ryu Traditional Japanese Dance Maizarae” has been confirmed. Traditional performing arts from Kabukicho — The “modern chic” showcased by the hosts
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performances. Smappa! Group hosts began studying Japanese dance under instructor Wakashi Yamamura in June 2024. They have been practicing every week for about a year and a half. This initiative was initiated by Smappa! Group Chairman Maki Tezuka, who believes that “in Kabukicho, which was once planned to house the Kabukiza Theater, one of the roles and responsibilities of a host is to become a presence where people can enjoy the culture of the entertainment district, traditional performing arts, and Japanese culture together as a hobby.” In the spring of 2025, we held our first review, which was well received. Six months later, the Kabukicho Men’s Dance will once again blossom on the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage. With further practice and the addition of new members, a new chapter in Koshoku Ichidai Otoko begins. We hope you enjoy!
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/89/42926-89-e71cad4f7f306ad88b27b90a8d59e9a9-2508×1672.jpg A moment created by the masterpiece of early modern literature, “Koshoku Ichidai Otoko” and “Kabukicho Host” — Ihara Saikaku’s debut novel, “Koshoku Ichidai Otoko” (1682), is the founding work of the Ukiyo-zoshi genre. This biography of Ukiyo-no-suke, known as the greatest playboy in Japanese literary history alongside Hikaru Genji, depicts the life of a lover, blending elegance and vulgarity while imitating The Tale of Genji and The Tales of Ise. Kabukicho is also home to some stylish men, just like Yonosuke. To further master this refined style, these men are diligently practicing Kamigata dance under the guidance of Yamamura Wakashizuno, a master of the Kamigata dance Yamamura school. Kamigatamai is a form of Japanese dance that originated and developed in Kamigata (Kansai region). It is
characterized by restrained movements to avoid stirring up dust in the tatami rooms, and is particularly adept at expressing emotions. There are various types of dance, including “Jiutamai,” which is a dance set to “Jiuta” choreography, “Hongyomono,” which was adapted from Noh, “Atsumono,” which has a love theme, and “Kekomono,” which features animals as main characters. Once again, each member will bring the fruits of their daily practice to the Noh stage in Kabukicho, dancing alone and together. Please enjoy a moment away from the world as you warmly watch the dance of the Kabukicho men known as “Koshoku Ichidai Otoko.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/89/42926-89-a6e7db4c8fc18721006b04cdd61bebb2-2667×1396.jpg Cast: Maki Tezuka, Manami Osaki, Takeru, Aki, Jotaro Kujo, Mitsuki, and Pipo-kun. /Song/Tenson/Yoito/Shiryu/Seji/Ryuji (13 people in total) Official instagram Official
TikTok
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/89/42926-89-aed996457c0d500196bc85c617b6303c-1051×1557.jpg From Yamamura Wakashiki (Kamigata Mai Yamamura-ryu Master) I am truly pleased to be able to hold this Japanese dance review in Kabukicho, a mecca for the performing arts that was originally intended to attract Kabuki. Everyone has been practicing very diligently. Please come and see the results of their hard work. Shizuki Yamamura Official Website https://wakashizuki.jp/
Performance Information Title: “A Lover’s Life” Japanese Dance Yamamura School Maizarae 2nd Performance Date:Tuesday, November 11, 2025 to Sunday, November 16, 2025 *6 days Time:Doors open 18:30/Start 19:00 (approximately 75 minutes) Venue: Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage (2nd floor, Lions Plaza Shinjuku, 2-9-18 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) Access: 3-minute walk from Exit E1 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Fukutoshin Line, or Toei Shinjuku Line; 8-minute walk from the North Exit of Seibu Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line Price: 1,500 yen (advance reservation required, payment on the day, cash only) Apply for tickets here
Why Japanese Dance? As part of its employee benefits, Smappa! Group offers weekly Japanese dance lessons taught by Kamigata Mai Yamamura-ryu master Yamamura Wakashizuki at the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage. “I want to create and nurture a place in Kabukicho that is not just a place for casual fun, but a place where culture can be created and established.” “I want to broaden the range of our cast’s
sensibilities.” Smappa!Group President Maki Tezuka’s aspirations were resonated with by instructor Waka Shizuka Yamamura, and traditional Japanese dance lessons have begun. Smappa!Group is continually developing activities centered on Japanese culture and art, such as the “Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition” (July 26 – October 5, 2025, over 10,000 visitors), host poetry gatherings, and cultural host clubs (reading groups). Click here for the official note First performance, rehearsal
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/89/42926-89-3f34376cdb21b3a5a224d03a14911a65-2048×1365.jpg About Smappa!Group
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/89/42926-89-52607f56a8e444e14bb1f4b190d7cf06-1250×625.jpg Smappa! Group aims to create joy and culture in Kabukicho, and operates a variety of businesses, including host clubs, bookstores, restaurants, hair and makeup salons, art galleries, and nursing care services. Rather than categorizing people, we aim to treat each individual as an individual, creating richer, more colorful times and spaces. About the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/89/42926-89-5c2d027fa953a72f7643ff8c9ea4dc1c-3000×2000.jpg In 1941 (Showa 16), the Nakajima Shinjuku Noh Stage was established in Kabukicho. In 2022, the Smappa! Group purchased the facility and renamed it the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage. The theater promotes Japanese culture both domestically and internationally through various traditional performing arts performances, including chanting and dance lessons by Kanze School Noh actor Shizuo Nakajima (a designated holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property), as well as the creation of cultural tourism content, including Japanese dance, Noh,
recitation, and rakugo. Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage WEB site (has a history of Noh stage activities): https://nohstage.com/ Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage