Nihon Buyo was originated from Kabuki. Kabuki is a classical Japanese dance-drama which history was began in 1603 when Izumo no Okuni began performing a new style of dance drama which was unusual at that time.
Kabiki is composed with two parts; drama and dance, and dance choreographers of Kabuki later became independent and popular in the society, and this was started to be called “Nihon Buyo”.
Nihon Buyo has been strongly influenced by Kabuki but also other traditional Japanese performing arts such as Noh and Folk Dances.
What is the virtue of Nihon Buyo as Japanese traditional performing art? Japanese have been putting emphasis on loving the beauty of nature and mercy and respect for the change of seasons. Through its performance, expressing such connection between nature and people which has been appreciated for a long time, and the audience simply enjoys such performance.
By practicing Nihon Buyo, one can also learn good etiquette, how to wear kimono in a graceful manner, and familiarity with Japanese music, literature, manners and customs. Furthermore, one can learn sensitivity, a sense of beauty, and respect for people and nature. We can also gain a deeper cultural understanding through Nihon Buyo.
Kayono-no Kai
Nihon Buyo "Kayono-no Kai" is a Japanese traditional dance school located in Highgate, London.
By practicing Nihon Buyo, one can also learn good etiquette, how to wear kimono in a graceful manner, and familiarity with Japanese music, literature, manners and customs. Furthermore, one can learn sensitivity, a sense of beauty, and respect for people and nature. We can also gain a deeper cultural understanding through Nihon Buyo. Kayono would take great pleasure in providing a platform to promote cultural exchange through Nihon Buyo.
Instructor - Kayono
Kayono (Legal Name: Kayoko Kimura) was born in Kanagawa prefecture in 1972. She started to learn ballet at three years old, and spent six years in Interpretive Dance Club in junior/high school. She then started learning Nihon Buyo from master Sueyuki Hanayagi (awarded Medal of Purple Ribbon in 1991) at the age of 28. Her first performance was “Miyako Dori” in the Japanese National Theatre.
In 2008, Kayono moved to Hong Kong for a business assignment, and met master Chika Wakayagi (Chairman of Wakayagi Ryu Konokai). She became an accredited master of Wakayagi School in 2016. As a member of Konokai, she has actively participated in various cultural programs, workshops and demonstrations in Hong Kong.
When Kayono emigrated to UK in January 2017, she decided to focus all her efforts on Nihon Buyo. She learns Japanese Tea Ceremony and Noh song because she thinks they help to polish her skill of Nihon Buyo, and these experiences influenced her fascination with Kamikata Mai. In 2021, Kayono joined Kamikata Mai Yoshimura Ryu. Currently she is learning from master Chihiro Yoshimura regularly in Japan.