The Enchanting Display of Japanese Dance: 'Koshoku Ichidai Otoko' Returns for a Second Performance

Smappa!Group is thrilled to announce the second performance of 'Koshoku Ichidai Otoko' from November 11 to November 16, 2025, at the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Theater. This event showcases a rehearsal display by the male hosts from Kabukicho, a group that has received considerable acclaim since its inaugural performance in May 2025.

This showcase offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a host in today's world, utilizing the traditional Japanese form of dance under the guidance of Yamamura Wakashizuki, a renowned master of the Yamamura School of Kyu (Kyoto-style dance). The performance will last six days and promises to deliver a polished presentation featuring new members who will join the existing cast.

A Fusion of Traditional Culture and Modern Entertainment

The first performance of 'Koshoku Ichidai Otoko' was met with enthusiastic reactions, laying the groundwork for the second event. In preparation, the hosts have been dedicated to their weekly training since June 2024, ensuring that their skills have reached new heights.

According to the president of Smappa! Group, Makoto Tezuka, this initiative is rooted in the desire to foster a cultural hub in Kabukicho, an area once slated for a Kabuki theater. The goal is to celebrate traditional art forms and Japanese culture that can be enjoyed in a contemporary setting. This endeavor not only elevates the hosts' roles but also connects them with a culturally rich history.

The backdrop of the event, ‘Koshoku Ichidai Otoko,’ is a seminal piece of Japanese literature written by Ihara Saikaku in 1682, which blends the essence of the Edo period's pleasure-seeking lifestyle with the elegance characteristic of Japanese dance. The protagonist, Yonosuke, is a figure akin to Hikaru Genji, making him one of Japan's most famous playboys. The performance aspires to evoke the same sense of aestheticism and human sentiment portrayed in the story.

The Craft of Yamamura School and Kabukicho Hosts

Dancers from Kabukicho have diligently trained in the Yamamura style, which emphasizes measured movements and emotional expression. This form of Japanese dance, known for its subtle elegance, serves as the perfect medium through which the hosts convey their dedication to the art. They will perform various types of dances, including those inspired by traditional themes, demonstrating their growth as performers.

As they prepare to step onto the stage, the host participants—a total of 13 talented individuals including Tezuka Makoto, Ohsaki Manami, Takemura, and many more—will each showcase their individual practice's fruits, allowing the audience to experience the charm of Kabukicho through a different lens.

The event encourages attendees to immerse themselves in an enchanting atmosphere where the spectacle of Japanese dance intertwines with the lively spirit of nightlife in Kabukicho.

Additional Insights from Master Yamamura Wakashizuki

Master Yamamura Wakashizuki expressed great joy in holding this rehearsal showcase in the historic setting of Kabukicho, an area initially meant to host Kabuki performances. She acknowledged the dedication and hard work the hosts have shown in their studies and invites everyone to witness their progress and passion.

Performance Details

- Title: 'Koshoku Ichidai Otoko' Japanese Dance Yamamura Flow Display - 2nd Performance
- Date: November 11 (Tue) - November 16 (Sun), 2025
- Time: Doors open at 18:30, performance starts at 19:00 (approximately 75 minutes)
- Venue: Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Theater, 2-9-18 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Access: 3 minutes on foot from Shinjuku Sanchome Station (Marunouchi Line, Fukutoshin Line, Toei Shinjuku Line) E1 exit, 8 minutes from Seibu Shinjuku Station (North exit)
- Ticket Price: 1,500 yen (reservation required, cash only)

For those interested in experiencing this unique blend of Japanese culture and modern entertainment, ticket reservations can be made in advance.

A Vision for Cultural Enrichment

Smappa!Group believes that Kabukicho should be more than just a place for fleeting enjoyment; it aims to cultivate a space where culture can flourish and be appreciated. Under the leadership of Makoto Tezuka, the organization continuously integrates diverse cultural experiences, offering events such as the 'Shinjuku Kabukicho Spring Picture Exhibition' in 2025, host reading clubs, and other cultural initiatives that enrich the lives of both hosts and patrons alike.

This is a stunning opportunity to witness an art form that bridges the gap between past and present, with the skilled performers presenting a new chapter in the legacy of Kabukicho’s cultural tapestry.