DANCER 2026 | Ukon Takafuji, Head Master of Takafuji School & Sword Dance
Posted on October 8, 2026 by Cultural News
Ukon Takafuji was born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. He is the second-generation head of the Takafuji School of Japanese traditional dance, which has a history of approximately 100 years, and the headmaster of Ukō-ryū, a school of sword dance.
Together with his younger brother, Sakon, he formed “Ukon & Sakon” and has spent more than 20 years developing a distinctive style that combines traditional Japanese dance with contemporary creativity. He founded Cool Japan Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Asakusa Ukōya) in 2019 and has extensive experience in oyama, tachiyaku, and Kabuki lion dance, as well as productions incorporating Kabuki, oiran culture, ninja, samurai, and other elements of Japanese tradition.
Takafuji has performed in numerous countries, including at Broadway in New York. His major appearances include the Tokyo 150th Anniversary Ceremony and the opening of the renovated Edo-Tokyo Museum. He has also performed Renjishi alongside remarks by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike.
With the philosophy “Peace in the world through the circle of dance,” Takafuji founded the World Bon Odori Association with JICA volunteers and has created Bon Odori projects such as Irish Bon Odori and Akiba Bon Odori. He choreographed “Tokyo Bon 2020,” which has received more than 120 million views on YouTube.
He has produced projects including Anime Song Bon Odori at Kanda Myojin, Cho Nico Nico Bon Odori at NicoNico Chokaigi, and the Bon Odori finale of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. He has also created “Ku U Kai” with Kabuki actor Ichikawa Kudanji and “Mai Rakugo” with English-language rakugo performer Katsura Sunshine, and collaborated with Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves at Fuji Rock Festival.
Takafuji also serves as a part-time lecturer at the University of Tokyo. Through dance, choreography, event production, and education, he continues to promote and share Japanese traditional culture in Japan and around the world.