Japanese traditional dance facts for kids

A Japanese traditional dancer

There are two types of Japanese traditional dance: Odori, which was created in the Edo period; and Mai, which was created in the western part of Japan. Odori came from Kabuki drama, where it is danced by men. Mai derives from Noh drama, also danced by men. Today it is usually danced by female dancers, and is mostly done in houses, instead of on stage.

A type of the Mai style of Japanese dance is the Kyomai or Kyoto style dance. Kyomai was created in the 17th century Tokugawa cultural period. Noh drama, music and dance was heavily influenced by the elegance of the manners of the Japanese Imperial Court. Kabuki drama, and hence Odori, was a more democratic form, but still (viewed with modern eyes) quite traditional.

Images for kids

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  An early photograph of Japanese women in dance pose.

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  A Renjishi performance

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  Two maiko performing a dance

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  An awaodori dance troupe at Osu in Nagoya, Aichi.

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  Katsushika Hokusai published suzume odori in his manga in 1815.

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  Suzume odori contestants at Aoba matsuri festival with a flutist

See also

In Spanish: Danza tradicional japonesa para niños