MyAsobi

About MyAsobi

MyAsobi, the Bugaku Performers Society, is dedicated to the promotion of Bugaku, based in Southern Kyushu.

Bugaku is the oldest extant dance in Japan, with a history of over 1300 years. It has been performed at the Imperial Court and various shrines and temples since ancient times. Bugaku is a form of performance that integrates music (instruments) and dance. The instruments used include ryuteki (flute), sho (mouth organ), taiko (drum), koto (zither), and hichiriki (double-reed flute). Those who play the music are called “gakujin,” while the dancers are referred to as “maijin” or “maibito.” Nowadays, in addition to the Music Department of the Imperial Household Agency, many shrines and temples across Japan have their own Gagaku societies, and Bugaku is performed during various rituals.

Bugaku includes “Samai (a literal translation is Left Dance),” based on dances introduced from the Chinese continent, and “Umai (a literal translation is Right Dance),” based on dances introduced from the Korean Peninsula, in addition to the indigenous Japanese Kuniburi no Utamai. The music for Samai is called “Togaku” (Tang Dynasty music), while the music for Umai is known as “Komagaku” (Goryeo music). Performers of Samai often wear red-colored costumes, while performers of Umai typically wear green-colored costumes.

MyAsobi is a group of Bugaku enthusiasts based in Southern Kyushu. While diligently practicing Bugaku, they perform dedication dances at shrines and temples during rituals and showcase their skills at events. They also collaborate with other dance groups, such as Noh and Japanese dance, for performances.

MyAsobi receives dance instruction from the Women’s Bugaku Society Harasho in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture.

Bugaku Class by MyAsobi

Bugaku may appear simple at first glance due to its extremely slow movements, but it actually requires significant use of the leg and hip muscles, making it more physically demanding than one might think. Additionally, because Bugaku is often performed by two or four dancers at a time, great care is taken to synchronize their movements and breathing. Moving with slow, deep breaths throughout the dance provides a sense of exhilaration similar to taking multiple deep breaths once the performance is over.

　

Why should you try Bugaku?

• Bugaku helps stabilize your sense of balance and strengthens your legs and lower back.
• You can wear the beautiful garments from the Nara and Heian periods.
• Offering dance performances at power spots like shrines and temples purifies your mind and body.

　

Why should you learn Bugaku with MyAsobi?

You can learn Bugaku in English at MyAsobi. If you live in South Kyushu, definitely give it a try. In particular, in Kagoshima City, there are classes held twice a month (every other Wednesday) at the Living Culture Center Kagoshima Central Classroom. It’s conveniently located near Kagoshima Chuo Station!

Please feel free to contact us!

　

Upcoming Events

Previous Performances

●　January 1, 2025	Kashiwabara Shrine	Kocho (butterfly dance for children)
●　October 27, 2024	Kagoshima Noh Song and Dance Society	ShiraByoushi (professional dancers and singers during the late Heian and early Kamakura periods)
●　October 3, 2024	Kashiwabara Shrine	Kocho (butterfly dance for children)
●　September 29, 2024	Yoshino Hyoroku Dream Festival	Ryukaen (created by Harashokai)
●　September 17, 2024	Nishinomiya Shrine	Ryukaen (created by Harashokai)
●　May 5, 2024	Nishinomiya Shrine	Itsukushima Gojoraku (created by Harashokai)
●　January 1, 2024	Kashiwabara Shrine	Itsukushima Gojoraku (created by Harashokai)
●　September 29, 2023	Nishinomiya Shrine	Kocho (butterfly dance for children)
●　May 5, 2023	Nishinomiya Shrine	ShiraByoushi (professional dancers and singers during the late Heian and early Kamakura periods)
●　May 5, 2022	Nishinomiya Shrine	Gosechi no Mai (dance of young ladies)
●　May 5, 2021	Ikuta Shrine	ShiraByoushi (professional dancers and singers during the late Heian and early Kamakura periods)

Inquiry

MyAsobi offers you the unique opportunity to learn Bugaku, Japan’s oldest dance, in English and enjoy the beautiful costumes from over 1,000 years ago. Through movements that involve deep breathing and use of the inner muscles, you can strengthen your legs and lower back. Moreover, you can enter the sacred areas of shrines and temples, places even Japanese people usually can’t access, and perform dances as offerings to the gods or Buddha. This practice promotes physical and mental well-being, allowing you to lead a spiritually fulfilling life. Don’t miss the chance to join the MyAsobi community!