Performance History
Carrying forward tradition onto the world stage while opening new paths of expression.
Here we introduce the journey and vision of Japanese dancer Ichinosuke Umekawa, and his commitment to connecting heritage with the future.
With Every Movement,
a Soulful Intention
Born in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, my journey in dance began with classical ballet, later leading me to Kabuki and ultimately to Nihon Buyo (classical Japanese dance). Having experienced both Western dynamic aesthetics and Japan’s refined stillness at their highest levels, I became captivated by the overwhelming power of the “stripped-down beauty” that defines Japanese dance.
I studied under Living National Treasure Tamasaburo Bando, learning the pinnacle of tradition while continually asking myself:
“What can traditional performing arts offer in this era?”
My mission is not merely to preserve the old. It is to express the timeless spirit of Japan in ways that resonate with people today and carry it forward to the next generation. To create moments on stage that may change someone’s life—this is both my pride and my responsibility as I continue to dance.
Ichinosuke Umekawa
RECENT NEWS
Recent Activities
Sharing stage achievements, cultural exchange initiatives, and reflections cultivated through daily practice.
Appearance in JAL In-Flight Arrival Video
I appeared in the newly renewed disembarkation video shown on domestic and international flights of Japan Airlines, updated for the first time in 12 years.
The music, as in the previous version, is “Ashita no Tsubasa” composed by Joe Hisaishi.
I sought to embody the beauty of Japanese tradition through movement within his gentle and heartfelt composition.
With deep pride in Japan and gratitude for this opportunity, I choreographed the piece as a culmination of my artistic path.
I hope that passengers flying with JAL will have the chance to experience it.
Biography
Dancer
Born in Hita, and a graduate of Niigata University.
After working with The Tokyo Ballet and performing as a Kabuki actor, he transitioned in 2016 to become a dancer specializing in Nihon Buyo (classical Japanese dance).
His mentor is Living National Treasure Tamasaburo Bando.
He currently appears in the arrival video shown on all domestic and international routes of Japan Airlines.
In addition to presenting his own dance productions, he has performed in projects connected to Japan Heritage, including interpretations inspired by Masaoka Shiki’s haiku (Dogo Onsen), the folk performance Tora Odori (Yokosuka), and the Chinese poetry of Hirose Tanso (Hita, Oita).
He also collaborates across diverse genres such as orchestral music and animation.
Through invitations from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he has participated in numerous international cultural programs, including the Japan–Greece Friendship 120th Anniversary Performance (Athens, 2019), the Japan Self-Defense Forces 70th Anniversary Reception at the Consul General’s Residence in Los Angeles (2024), Japan–China cultural exchange performances (2025), and a dance program co-hosted with the YANAI INITIATIVE in Los Angeles (2025). He was also invited as a specialist to the International Festival of Theatre Schools (IFTS) in India (2026), where he received high acclaim.
Since 2022, he has initiated programs working with children with disabilities.
In collaboration with theaters and local governments, he actively conducts Soran Bushi and Nihon Buyo workshops, lectures, and event productions.
In recent years, he also appeared as the talk-session partner in the performance “Tamasaburo Bando: Talk and Su-odori.” He has been featured in tie-ups, campaigns, and modeling projects related to organizations and brands such as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Tokyo Skytree, Wacoal, Montblanc, CFCL, Tommy Hilfiger, BEAMS, and Johnnie Walker.
Through Nihon Buyo, he continues to create “new worlds” both in Japan and internationally.
He also serves as a Tourism Ambassador for Suigo Hita.
