On September 7, a special event was held Hirokazu Taniguchi, choreographer for the film “Kokuho（National Treasure）” and a Japanese dance performer, showcasing the appeal of Kabuki dance.

The venue is Ritsumeikan University’s auditorium, just a few minutes’ walk from Nijo Station and close to our studio.

First, Mr. Taniguchi dances “The Four Seasons of Kyoto,” captivating the audience.　Nothing adorns the stage backdrop, yet the simple movements of a solitary dancer evoke the four seasons. The techniques of Japanese dance are wonderfully skillful.

During the talk session, he shared stories about the memorable dance scenes from the film “Kokuho,” revealing the profound depth of the dance world. After hearing his story, I felt like watching the movie again.

Regarding the dance piece known as Dojoji, he provided a detailed explanation of its history. This tale, also known as the “Legend of Anchin and Kiyohime,” is a story originating in the Heian period. It tells of a monk who, while pilgrimage to Kumano, stays at an inn and meets a woman. Tragedy strikes when her unrequited love leads her to transform into a serpent, burning the monk, she longed for alive along with the bell at Dojoji Temple.

Mr. Taniguchi condensed the content of a kabuki play, which typically takes about an hour and a half to perform, into a 15-minute solo dance in formal and simple Montsuki Hakama Style. Even in just fifteen minutes, the dance unfolds into a fully dramatic narrative, drawing us into the unique spiritual world of Japanese culture.

We would like to express our gratitude to Ms. Sumii of Komaruya for inviting us on this event.