#Japan #Shinjuku #Smappa!Group #Japanese Dance #Koshoku Ichidaion

A Special Open Invitation to the Host Utakai

On November 14, 2025, the 'Host Utakai', which typically operates behind closed doors, will have a special open event. This occasion is to honor the 'Koshoku Ichidaion' Japanese dance, celebrated through a collaborative approach with Smappa!Group, a business rooted in Shinjuku's vibrant nightlife. The event will take place at AWAKE, located in the heart of Kabukicho, and access will be granted exclusively to those with tickets for the aforementioned dance performance.

The Essence of the Host Utakai

Traditionally held among mentors and hosts, this year’s Host Utakai will feature a unique competition format. On this special day, entrants, regardless of their experience level, each present a single poem to compete. This 'one poem, one heart' format paves the way for newcomers to potentially impress and outshine seasoned performers, highlighting the intense dedication and passion the hosts put into their crafts.

The challenge of selecting just one standout poem is profound, as hosts channel their emotions into every syllable, creating an exhilarating and heartfelt atmosphere that attendees can witness.

The Host Utakai has been a monthly gathering since 2018, originating from the need to support one another during challenging times, such as the pandemic lockdowns. During those months, the host community creatively pivoted, continuing their poetry gatherings online, utilizing platforms like Zoom. These sessions have seen participation from Maki Tezuka, the president of Smappa!Group, along with the talented staff from various host clubs who have honed their craft thanks to insights from established poets like Machi Tawara and Ayako Noguchi. NHK even recognized this unique gathering, featuring it in the BS program 'Heisei Manyoshu'.

The Cultural Impact of Poetry

Tanka poetry embodies the expressions of deep feelings. Hosts master concise communication in their daily lives with clientele through social interactions and messages, aligning perfectly with Tanka’s historical roots that span over 1300 years. This synergy between the poetic form and host culture is noteworthy, reflecting how the craft serves as a perfect vessel for emotions and storytelling.

Koshoku Ichidaion: A Japanese Dance Initiative

Hand-in-hand with these poetic endeavors, 'Koshoku Ichidaion' aims to elevate cultural presence in Kabukicho. As articulated by Tezuka, the intent is not only to create a transient entertainment space but to establish a lasting cultural foundation. With this vision, young hosts are trained in the Japanese Yamamura dance style by the esteemed instructor Wakaseiko Yamamura. Here, hosts dedicatedly practice their movements by day, learning fundamental elements such as posture and timing, enhancing their physical representation of artistry.

This initiative aspires to allow hosts to deepen their enjoyment of traditional arts, thus forging a more sophisticated persona that can share their enthusiasm with patrons.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Public Host Utakai × Koshoku Ichidaion Japanese Dance - Volume 2
• - Date and Time: November 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• - Venue: AWAKE, located at 1-2-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Organizer: Smappa!Group
• - Participation: Access is reserved for attendees who have purchased tickets to the 'Koshoku Ichidaion' performance on the same date.

To obtain your tickets and immerse yourself in this unique blend of traditional and contemporary artistic expression, visit Smappa!Group’s official channels.

Smappa!Group has been a cornerstone of various enterprises in Shinjuku, spanning host clubs, cafes, and cultural spaces for over 20 years. Their commitment to culture extends to hosting the monthly 'Host Utakai' poetry events since 2018, culminating in the book 'Host Manyoshu', curated in collaboration with Tawara, Noguchi, and others. The group continues to engage with the community creatively, ensuring that Kabukicho’s vibrant essence remains alive and shared worldwide.