The 39th Kagurazaka Odori: A Celebration of Traditional Arts and Culture in Tokyo's Iconic Kagurazaka
Yesterday (October 19, 2024), the "39th Kagurazaka Odori" was held and concluded successfully. Designated as a local cultural asset of Shinjuku Ward, "Kagurazaka Odori" is one of the most iconic traditional geisha performances in Kagurazaka, Tokyo. This event is a crucial opportunity for all 17 Kagurazaka geisha to showcase their skills to the general public. Many spectators attended the event, and as is the tradition, it concluded with the distribution of Tenugui (traditional Japanese hand towels) and a commemorative photo session with the geisha.
The 40th Kagurazaka Odori Will Be Skipped Next Year, But the Next Geisha Event, 'Invitation to Kagurazaka' Awaits in February 2025
The "39th Kagurazaka Odori" was held in three sessions at Kagurazaka Theater (Ushigome Tansu Kumin Hall) (with around 400 seats). Please note that there will be no event next year, as we prepare for the special 40th anniversary event. The milestone "40th Kagurazaka Odori" is scheduled for two days, on April 24 (Friday) and 25 (Saturday), 2026, at the Kabukicho Tower MILANO-za (with approximately 900 seats), and it will be a grand celebration.
Although there will be no "Kagurazaka Odori" next year, another geisha event, "Kagurazaka heno Izanai (Invitation to Kagurazaka)," will be held on February 15, 2025, at Tokyo Daijingu Matsuyasaron. This special event offers a rare chance to receive name cards (Senshafuda) directly from all the geisha and take commemorative photos. We encourage you to participate in "Invitation to Kagurazaka."
Supporting the Next Generation: Young Geisha Take Center Stage at Kagurazaka Odori in Tokyo
The "Kagurazaka Odori" featured a debut performance on the grand stage by a 20-year-old Hangyoku (trainee geisha), who was introduced in September. A family from Switzerland, who joined our "Ozashiki Asobi" tour last week, was moved to tears, saying, "It’s so touching to see these young people working hard to preserve Japan's traditional arts."
Kagurazaka geisha are unique in that five of them are in their 20s, making them younger than those in other hanamachi (geisha districts). By purchasing tickets and attending events like the "Kagurazaka Odori," we, as the general public, can support and preserve these traditional performances. We hope to see "Kagurazaka Odori" continue for years to come with the help of many supporters.
A Global Audience: Foreign Visitors Embrace the Traditional Culture of Kagurazaka Odori
Many foreign visitors also attended the "Kagurazaka Odori." We saw families and foreigners dressed in kimono among the crowd. Since Kagurazaka has a large French community, we also heard French being spoken. We believe the "Kagurazaka Odori" provided a memorable traditional cultural experience for the foreign audience as well.
Missed This Year's Kagurazaka Odori? Join 'Kagura Club' for Exclusive Access and Special Benefits!
For those who couldn’t attend this year’s "Kagurazaka Odori," we have some great news. By joining the fan club "Kagura Club," you can watch exclusive footage of the "Kagurazaka Odori" on our website. Members also receive other exciting benefits, such as invitations to exclusive events like the "Geisha Yukata-Kai (Event)" and a free geisha fan (usually priced at 3,000 yen). With an annual membership fee of just 10,000 yen, we encourage you to consider joining "Kagura Club."
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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