Kamigata-mai

　Kamigata-mai was born and developed in the Kamigata (Kyoto-Osaka) region of Japan in the 16th century. It was based on the “dancing” tradition of Noh and Kyogen, while it drew also on the techniques of puppet movements in Bunraku.

　Typically, Noh, Kyogen and Bunraku as well, are performed by males, while　the dancers of Kamigata-mai are mainly performed by females． Sensitivity, delicacy and strength peculiar to females are additional ingredients in Kamigata-mai added to the micro cosmos mainly developed by males.

　It is at times called Jiuta-mai because it is performed to the accompaniment of Jiuta which is the oldest form of shamisen (three stringed instrument) music, also born and developed in the Kamigata region.

　Originally performed by blind individuals in small rooms (instead of on the broad stage), it was developed as a chamber art and enjoyed by the patronage of highly aesthetically sensitive patrons, though they were few in number. As such, Kamigata-mai exhibits a sharp contrast to world-famous Kabuki dances which are put on in large theatres to the accompaniment of Nagauta which is theatre-oriented music. Thus, Kamigata-mai differs considerably from Kabuki-dance. The former is performed in a subdued, tranquil and dignified way, while in the latter, dances are more animated, vigorous and sometimes even boisterous. We in Kamigata-mai attach major importance to the external expression of one’s innermost sentiment.