On the 20th of January, JCC welcomed Master Guraku Akifusa from Japan for a lecture and demonstration entitled “The beauty of Japanese dance 舞 ”.
Master Guraku Akifusa was born in Tokyo Japan in 1974. He started learning Nihon Buyo from his mother when he was 5 years old. He received his master title as Wakayagi ryu when he was 25 years old. However, he gave back his master title and focused on developing his own style of Nihon Buyo which is now called Akifusa Ryu. He currently holds classes in Osaka.
Master Akifusa began with an introduction to Nihon Buyo and explained its history stating that Nihon Buyo began centuries ago. Nihon Buyo, a mixture of pantomime and dance, drew its influences from Kabuki and Noh. It emerged during the early part of the Edo period (17th century) and was originally intended as a performance for the gods. Over time, Nihon Buyo gradually evolved into something that everyone could enjoy.
Master Akifusa mentioned that he generally plays female characters during his performances. Men playing women’s roles are called “onnagata” in Japanese.
Following his lecture a question and answer session was held for guests to the event. Questions from audience members streamed in one after another. One audience member asked how Master Akifusa prepares himself before a performance and how “gets into his role”. Master replied that all he needs is to hear a sound and he is able to immerse himself in the character he has to play.
Following the question and answer session, Master Akifusa changed into a white Kimono and dance excerpt from the story of Snow Egret Woman (鷺娘). Master Akifusa stunned the audience who watched in awe he gracefully executed the fluid dance piece. He seemed to have completely transformed as his face expressed the emotions of his character.
The end of the performance was met with thunderous applause from audience members. Many stayed behind to chat with Master Akifusa and expressed their interest in Nihon Buyo. Some audience members even expressed that they were lucky to be able to see Master Akifusa perform and were thoroughly happy at the rare opportunity.
 
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