The Embassy of Japan hosted a captivating performance titled “Traditional Japanese Dance: Nihonbuyo” at the Çankaya Municipality Yılmaz Güney Stage. The event showcased three distinct pieces, expertly performed by Fujima Rankoh and Sakurai Takako, with accompanying explanations to offer insight into the rich cultural heritage of Japanese dance.
Haşim KILIÇ
THE event, hosted by Japan’s Ambassador to Ankara, Katsumata Takahiko, attracted a large audience of art enthusiasts. In his opening speech, Ambassador Takahiko, who affectionately referred to Türkiye as his second home, shared fascinating insights about Nihonbuyo, a traditional Japanese dance dating back to the 1600s and listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. He also highlighted that 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Japan, and emphasized that a series of events will be held throughout the year to celebrate and promote Japanese culture.
THREE DIFFERENT PERFORMANCES
During the evening, dancer Fujima Rankoh mesmerized the audience with three distinct Nihonbuyo performances, while dance critic Sakurai Takako enriched the experience by providing historical context and explanations. The minimalist routines, presented without wigs or elaborate costumes, captivated the crowd with their elegance. The performances—The Old Pine, The Elegance of the Capital, and Moonlight—earned standing ovations for their grace and emotional depth.
