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The Celebration of Tradition and Legacy in Japanese Dance

On October 6, 2023, a significant event will take place as Keika Wakayanagi, known by her real name Chikako Yukiwaka, officially assumes the title of the third generation Wakayanagi Kichisaburo. This moment marks not only a personal achievement but also a revival of legacy in the world of traditional Japanese dance, particularly the coveted Sakuyaku Mai, often referred to as Japan's oldest mythical dance.

The lineage of the Wakayanagi family traces back to the founder, the late first generation Kichisaburo, and continues through his son, the late second generation Kichisaburo, whose 17th memorial service coincides with this momentous occasion. Over the span of 13 years, the name Wakayanagi Kichisaburo has been dormant, making this return to the spotlight particularly poignant for the family and the art form itself.

The sacred ceremony will take place at Kinkou Hachiman Shrine, located in Shibuya, Tokyo, which is often addressed as the 'Home of Wakayanagi' due to the family's long-standing connection with the area since the inception of the original Kichisaburo. The shrine holds a special significance as it is also the local deity of Shibuya, adding a layer of cultural heritage to this celebratory performance.

Event Details

Event Name: Inauguration Performance of the Third Generation Wakayanagi Kichisaburo
Organizer: Kakiwa Co., Ltd.
Date and Time: October 6, 2023 (Monday) from 14:00
Location: Kinkou Hachiman Shrine, 3-5-12 Shibuya, Tokyo
Performer: Keika Wakayanagi, now known as the third generation Wakayanagi Kichisaburo (Chikako Yukiwaka)

The enchanting ceremony will be followed by a celebratory gathering, which is set to commence at Meiji Memorial Hall, beginning with participant reception at 16:00 and the official opening at 16:30. This after-event will comprise of a screening of a donated dance video, greetings from the newly named Wakayanagi Kichisaburo, and a public talk show recorded by Shibuya Radio, further highlighting the community involvement and local spirit of the event.

Background of Keika Wakayanagi

Keika Wakayanagi, who now takes on the new name of Wakayanagi Kichisaburo, is a distinguished practitioner of Nihon Buyo (Japanese classical dance) and a descendant of Emperor Seiwa, the 56th Emperor of Japan, known for her commitment to preserving the Sakuyaku Mai. With encouragement and training from her grandfather, the late Kiyokawa Yoshiaki, who served as the head of the Wakayanagi Association, and her father, the late second generation Kichisaburo, she has become a prominent figure in the Japanese dance community.

Her artistry has been showcased on significant platforms, including a large 16K screen at the international terminal of Haneda Airport, displaying seasonal themed performances for 24 hours. Keika's credentials reveal her as an award-winning choreographer who has received numerous accolades, such as the Excellent Instructor Award at the nationwide dance competition hosted by the Tokyo Shimbun.

Additionally, Keika has been invited as a guest lecturer at Kyoto University and has contributed to special classes at Tsuru University. She is actively devoted to reclaiming the lost art of Sakuyaku Mai, retelling ancient Japanese narratives through her performances that breathe life into the nuances of this historical dance form.

Her recent contributions include a performance of Sakuyaku Mai ‘Wa’ at the 1400th anniversary ceremony for Prince Shotoku, as well as other significant performances across iconic sites like Izumo Taisha Shrine and Tomioka Hachiman Shrine on notable commemorative days, highlighting her role as a cultural ambassador of this exquisite art.

For more in-depth information about her work and performances, please visit her website, or check out her blog and Ameba blog where she shares her journey and future events.