Ichinosuke Umekawa
Japanese Classical Dancer
Connecting people and cultures by preserving traditions and sharing their timeless beauty
Japanese classical dance - a 400-year legacy of Dance, weaving together Japan's timeless beauty and spirit.
Featured Performances
Ichinosuke Umekawa Introduction
Tradition & Innovation
Previous Performances
JAL In-Flight Disembarkation Video
2024
Japan Airlines All Routes
Worldwide
Tradition Meets Modern Dance : Nationwide Tour
2025
Japan Nationwide Tour
Japan
Ichinosuke Umekawa | An Afternoon of Japanese Classical Dance
2025
JAPAN HOUSE
Los Angeles,USA
A REVOLUTION IN MOVEMENT THE TRADITIONAL AND INNOVATIVE WORLD OF DANCE
2025
JAPAN FOUNDATION
Los Angeles,USA
Ichinosuke Umekawa | Garden Performance
2025
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
Los Angeles,USA
Japan Self-Defense Forces 70th Anniversary Reception
2024
Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, USA
Tradition Meets Modern Dance : Nationwide Tour
2025
Patria Hita Large Hall
Oita Prefecture. Japan
Ichinosuke Umekawa Special Dance Performance
2025
Otome-za
Hiroshima Prefecture. Japan
About Ichinosuke Umekawa
Through Japanese dance, Ichinosuke Umekawa has pioneered unprecedented paths, connecting with children, people with disabilities, and international audiences without distinction, fostering mutual understanding and respect through Japanese culture.
"Connecting people and culture, preserving and passing on the old—this is the beauty that transcends time and continues to live." These words guide his daily activities as he bridges tradition and innovation.
Biography
2007
Three-Year Kabuki Actor Training Program at National Theatre
During training, he studied traditional Japanese arts including kabuki performance techniques, tachimawari (stage fighting), nagauta (long songs), shamisen, gidayu (narrative music), taiko drums, tsuzumi drums, koto music, and tea ceremony. During his training period, he met Living National Treasure Bando Tamasaburo, who would later have a profound influence on his career.
2010
Nakamura Shido's Family
After graduating from the training program, he joined Nakamura Shido's family. Under the stage name Nakamura Shijiro, he made his debut at the old Kabukiza Theatre (before reconstruction) in the role of Shinzo in 'Sukeroku Yukari no Edo Zakura'. He performed in numerous works including 'Akoya', 'Kanadehon Chushingura', 'Shinobi Yoru Koi Zutsumi Shogun', and 'Arashi no Yoru ni'.
2025
Special Demonstration for Students
A unique educational program featured Ichinosuke Umekawa, who showcased the beauty and techniques of traditional Japanese classical dance. The presentation, held at Thorne Hall, Occidental College, offered students an opportunity to experience and appreciate classical Japanese dance, deepening their understanding of this cultural tradition.
2025
Demonstration & Workshop: A Revolution in Movement
At The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, Ichinosuke presented three short works—one inspired by yokai from the “YOKAI PARADE” exhibition—and led an introductory workshop that opened the fundamentals of Nihon Buyo to first‑time learners. The concise program connected classical form with contemporary audiences.
2025
An Afternoon of Japanese Classical Dance at JAPAN HOUSE
An intimate showcase at JAPAN HOUSE Salon, Level 5, Hollywood paired a clear, engaging introduction to kabuki and classical dance by Dr. Satoko Shimazaki (UCLA) with two contrasting performances by Ichinosuke—one rooted in tradition and one exploring modern sensibilities—and was followed by a Q&A.
2025
Japanese Garden Performance — Storrier Stearns
It was a twilight program at the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden, a historic Japanese garden setting. Ichinosuke performed works that highlighted the sensitivity and clarity of Nihon Buyo, which brought audiences closer to the aesthetics and rhythm of traditional Japanese movement.
2025
CoPA Collaborative Featuring Ichinosuke Umekawa
It was a cross‑disciplinary collaboration with vocal, theatre, dance, cello, and piano artists at the Sandi Simon Center for Dance, Chapman University. The program wove Japanese classical dance into a broader stage language, revealing fresh textures in movement and music.
Philosophy
繋
Community Engagement
伝
Preservation and Development of Traditional Culture
Preserving the essence of artistic traditions while introducing the beauty of Japanese dance to new generations through innovative works and collaborations.
Breathing new life into local history, traditional songs, haiku, and regional dances through Japanese dance. Inspiring communities with workshops for children and motivational talks about pursuing dreams.
極
International Exchange and Overseas Performances
Since 2017, expanding international reach with over 30 cultural exchanges and performances a year through invitations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies worldwide.
Gallery & Highlights
Building Cultural Bridges Through Dance
Through Japanese dance, we build bridges that span cultures, generations, and communities. Each performance connects hearts and fosters understanding between diverse groups around the world.
From children's workshops to international stages, from ancient temples to modern venues—every encounter plants seeds of cultural appreciation that take root and flourish across continents.
10+
COUNTRIES REACHED SO FAR
1,000,000+
LIVES TOUCHED
Countless
CONNECTIONS MADE
Contact Us
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Official Partner
Carrying Japan's traditional culture into the future
and sharing its beauty with the world.
Inspired by the possibilities opened by Ichinosuke Umekawa and moved to contribute to society, our partner embraces the responsibility of stewarding Japanese culture. We are honored to introduce our Official Partner.
