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.
Tradition
and Innovation
Through Japanese traditional dance, Ichinosuke Umekawa has been opening paths that have never existed before.
Through Japanese culture, he engages with children, people with disabilities, and people from overseas—without distinction—creating opportunities for many individuals to connect, understand one another, and share mutual respect.
Connecting people and culture, preserving what is old, and passing it on to the next generation—this is the beauty that continues to live on beyond time.
Holding these words close to his heart, he continues his activities each day.
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 |  Bando Tamasaburo – “Talk and Su-odori” Performance |  New Year Dance Performance – Kiyomoto “Yasuna” |  At a Japanese Garden in Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|---|
 MOFA Cultural Invitation Program Japan–China Dance Exchange |  Momotaro Tour 2025 – Final Performance |  Shinagawa Canal Festival |  Tiger dance |
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.
