Experience the Splendor of Gagaku with 'Taiheiraku' Performance for Kids in 2026

Celebrate the New Year with 'Taiheiraku'

On January 18, 2026, the Tadogagaku Society will host the grand New Year performance titled "Shinshun Kouen (New Year's Gagaku Show 2026)" at the Toyosu Civic Center Hall in Koto City, Tokyo. This exquisite event promises a full-scale performance of 'Taiheiraku', a traditional Gagaku piece that embodies elegance and majesty. Tickets are currently available through Confetti, a service operated by Longrun Planning Co., Ltd.

Taiheiraku Performance

A Celebration of Children and Tradition

Celebrating 20 years of passing down traditions to children, this year's performance includes captivating children’s dances titled 'Bird and Dragon'. 'Taiheiraku' will be performed in its entirety, showcasing dancers adorned in magnificent golden ancient armor. These performers will wield halberds and swords, embodying the wishes for peace in their movements.

Performance Overview

First Part (7:00 PM)
Children from Koto City will perform 'Bird' and 'Dragon', featuring sacred offerings from the Fukagawa Tomioka Hachiman Shrine.

- 'Karabijin' (Bird Dance): This dance, believed to be one of the oldest, has roots in Buddhism. It portrays a heavenly bird's song, with performers dressed in golden crowns sprinkled with cherry blossoms and adorned with wings. They dance, rhythmically beating bronze hand drums, as they glide elegantly across the stage, synchronizing with exquisite wind instrument melodies.
- 'Nasori' (Dragon Dance): Known also as 'Souryu no Mai', this dance showcases the playful interaction between two dragons (a male and a female), performed in a lively fashion to upbeat drumming. The highlight is the dancers’ dynamic movements and the art of balancing wooden sticks above their heads and shoulders, all while maintaining symmetry.

Second Part (7:30 PM)
In the second part, a splendid full performance of 'Taiheiraku' will be presented. It features traditional sequences that celebrate auspicious occasions and peace, showcasing dancers in extravagant ancient armor performing powerful movements with halberds and swords in a display of grandeur.

'Taiheiraku's Historical Significance

'Taiheiraku' is a ceremonial dance historically performed for imperial celebrations, reflecting the country's traditions and dignities. It is also presented in the prestigious contexts of temples, such as Osaka's Shitennoji and Nara's Kasuga-taisha. The intricate armor worn by the performers is crafted from the finest gold, captivating audiences with its splendor.

The Tadogagaku Society, established to honor Matsudaira Sadanobu and promote cultural exchange between Tokyo's Koto district and Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture, has been reviving 'Taiheiraku' since 2012. The society has performed the piece five times and even staged a complete rendition during the Heisei emperor's enthronement celebration in 2019. With 2026 marking its 20th anniversary of sharing the art with local children, this performance in Tokyo will be its first full-scale showcase of 'Taiheiraku'.

This charming performance will also follow the authentic Gagaku structure of 'Jo-Ha-Kyu', comprising five movements:
1. 'Tai Shiki no Choshi' (Prelude) – introducing the dancers as they take their positions on stage.
2. 'Michi Yuki' (Procession) – showcasing the dancers with halberds, a symbol of power and protection.
3. 'Ha' (Break) – emphasizing the fierce yet graceful gesture of pointing the halberds skyward and thrusting down.
4. 'Kyu' (Rapid) – depicting quick movements as the dancers execute their elegant choreography.
5. 'Shige Buki' (Finale) – concluding with the dancers exiting the stage majestically.

The performers don golden armor, carrying halberds that signify peace and protection, illustrating a world free from conflict as they dance.