Hosts Bring Traditional Japanese Dance to the Heart of Kabukicho
- Performance Information
- Cast
- Official Merchandise
- About Koshoku Ichidai Otoko: The Life of an Amorous Man
- About Kamigata-mai
- About the Yamamura School
- Practice Journal & Behind the Scenes
- Official Fan Club
- Discover More of Kabukicho
There was once a dream of bringing Kabukiza, Japan’s most famous Kabuki theater, to Kabukicho.
Today, in that very same neighborhood, hosts are embracing one of Japan’s oldest performing arts.
Since June 2024, Koshoku Ichidai Otoko: The Life of an Amorous Man, a Nihon Buyo (Japanese traditional dance) group formed by hosts from Smappa!Group, has been training every week before work under Yamamura Wakashizuki, master of the Yamamura School of Kamigata-mai.
This July marks the beginning of the group’s new Performance Series, held regularly at FIRST STAGE inside Shinjuku Kabuki Hall, located on the second floor of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower.
Against a backdrop of neon lights and giant LED screens, kimono-clad hosts perform centuries-old Japanese dance in one of Tokyo’s most contemporary entertainment districts, a unique encounter between tradition and modern urban culture.
Performances will take place on July 22 (Wed) and July 30 (Thu), 2026, beginning at 5:00 PM.
Admission is free, and no reservation is required.
Whether you’re stopping by for a drink or simply exploring Kabukicho, we invite you to pause for a performance and experience another side of Japanese culture.
Performance Information
Dates
July 22 (Wed) & July 30 (Thu), 2026
Time
5:00 PM
Venue
FIRST STAGE, Shinjuku Kabuki Hall (2F)
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access
- 1-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station
- 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station
Admission
Free admission
(One food or drink order is required for seated guests.)
No reservation required.
Organizer
Smappa!Group
Cast
July 22 (Wed)
- Aki (亜樹)
- Mitsuki (光希)
- Jotaro Kujo (空条承太郎)
- Uta (唄)
- Hiito (陽糸)
- Narumi Osaki (大崎愛海)
- Tiawan (てぃあわん)
July 30 (Thu)
- Aki (亜樹)
- Mitsuki (光希)
- Jotaro Kujo (空条承太郎)
- Yamamura Wakashizuro (Maki Tezuka / 手塚マキ)
- Narumi Osaki (大崎愛海)
- Tier1 (てぃあわん)
- Ryuji (龍士)
Performers are subject to change.
Official Merchandise
Official Koshoku Ichidai Otoko merchandise and selected publications will be available throughout the event.
Please visit the merchandise corner during your visit.
About Koshoku Ichidai Otoko: The Life of an Amorous Man
“Koshoku Ichidai Otoko” is a Nihon Buyo group formed by hosts from Smappa!Group, whose long-term vision is to make Kabukicho not only a place of entertainment but also a place where Japanese culture is created, shared, and sustained.
The project began when Smappa!Group chairman Maki Tezuka envisioned a new role for hosts—not only as entertainers, but also as people who appreciate and pass on Japan’s traditional arts.
His vision resonated with Yamamura Wakashizuki, master of the Yamamura School of Kamigata-mai, leading to the group’s formation in 2024.
The group’s name comes from The Life of an Amorous Man (Kōshoku Ichidai Otoko), Ihara Saikaku’s groundbreaking 1682 novel and one of the founding works of ukiyo-zōshi literature.
Its protagonist, Yonosuke, is often described as one of the greatest playboys in Japanese literary history. Drawing inspiration from his lifelong pursuit of elegance, curiosity, and refinement, the members strive to deepen their own understanding of Japanese culture through dance.
About Kamigata-mai
The group studies the Yamamura School of Kamigata-mai, a classical dance tradition that developed in Japan’s Kansai region.
Unlike the more theatrical style often associated with Kabuki, Kamigata-mai emphasizes subtle movement, emotional expression, and refined gestures suited to intimate indoor spaces.
Its repertoire includes:
- Jiuta-mai — dances performed to traditional shamisen-accompanied music
- Hongyōmono — works derived from Noh theater
- Tsuyamono — romantic dances
- Kokkeimono — humorous and character-driven pieces
About the Yamamura School
Founded in Osaka in 1806 by choreographer Yamamura Tomogorō, the Yamamura School is the oldest of the four major schools of Kamigata-mai.
Closely connected to both Noh and Ningyō Jōruri (Japanese puppet theater), the school has long been practiced in Osaka’s geisha districts and among merchant families as part of cultural education.
It also appears in Junichiro Tanizaki’s celebrated novel The Makioka Sisters (Sasameyuki).
Practice Journal & Behind the Scenes
Follow the group’s rehearsals, recitals, and other cultural activities—including the Host Tanka Gathering—through the official journal.
Practice Journal & Koshoku Ichidai Otoko
https://note.com/smappa_jpnbunka/m/m5530a23ab442
Official Fan Club
The official fan club offers exclusive behind-the-scenes content, rehearsal updates, member diaries, and special features available nowhere else.
Discover Hiito’s movie radio, Uta’s anime recommendations, Aki’s favorite things, Narumi’s gourmet journal, Tiawan’s temple walks, and much more.
Join the community and follow the group’s continuing journey.
Official Fan Club
https://koushokuichidaiotoko.com/
Discover More of Kabukicho
The members of Koshoku Ichidai Otoko are active hosts at Smappa!Group.
If you would like to meet them or explore Kabukicho with an English- or Chinese-speaking guide, visit:
Kabukicho Concierge
https://www.smappa.net/global/