Yuubi: Elegance and Grace of Nihon Buyo
Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 1:30–5:30 p.m. | JACCC Aratani Theatre
An extraordinary celebration of Japanese classical dance, or Nihon Buyo, will grace the Aratani Theatre stage in a special program entitled, “Yuubi, Elegance and Grace of Nihon Buyo.”
Presented on Sunday, January 18, 2026, this not-to-be-missed event commemorates the 30th anniversary of Madame Bando Hidesomi’s School of Traditional Japanese Dance.
The program will feature twenty-six of Madame Hidesomi’s students, including the debut performances of four dancers who have been awarded their professional stage names by the Headmaster of the Bando-ryu (School) in Tokyo, Japan.
A very special guest artist from Japan will be Madame Bando Hideko, the esteemed daughter of the late Headmaster Bando Mitsugoro IX, and master teacher of Bando Hidesomi.
In addition to Madame Hideko, twelve masters from Japan with specialties in stage production, makeup, costume, wig design, and onstage assistance will contribute their artistry for a dazzling, authentic performance.
Madame Hidesomi’s invitation of the talented guest artists from Japan reflects her wish to establish a foundation for future generations of Nihon Buyo to continue the legacy that is as true to its original art form as possible.
A native of Los Angeles, Madame Hidesomi is the Los Angeles representative of the Bando School of Japanese Classical Dance headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and was inspired to present this momentous production as an expression of “Ongaeshi”—giving back with gratitude—to all those who have taught, nurtured, and supported her throughout her nearly 50-year journey in Nihon Buyo.
Her inspiration was deepened after viewing the documentary film, “Hidden Legacy,” which chronicles the lives of Japanese American instructors of traditional cultural arts who, even during World War II incarceration, continued to teach and preserve Japanese performing arts in the United States.
Through the program “Yuubi,” Madame Hidesomi pays heartfelt homage to her family, her students and their parents, the community, and to all Nihon Buyo instructors who came before her—including her first teacher, the late Madame Bando Mitsuhiro.
The producer of “Yuubi” is Wa No Kai, a nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to pursue communal harmony, peace, and multicultural unity through the practice and performance of Nihon Buyo. Tickets range from $50 to $100 and can be purchased through the JACCC website, https://jaccc.org/events/yuubi-elegance-grace-of-nihon-buyo/, with student discounts available for general seating (Promo code: student). The theater is located in the Little Tokyo community of Downtown Los Angeles, 244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
For more information about Wa No Kai, please visit the website, https://wanokai.org/,and for information about Bando Hidesomi, see website, https://www.bandohidesomi.com/ or Instagram@bandohidesomi, or Facebook Bando Hidesomi.
