I am Akemi Tachibana, the organizer of Matama-no-Kai (a ritual dance enthusiasts’ group).

At Matama-no-Kai, we are dedicated to creating a dance that unites the body and mind.

We teach traditional ritual dances as well as creative dances inspired by these traditions, known as Shinbu, a form of Shinto dance.

The Shinbu（Shinto sacred dance ）begins with dancing with the gods and true heart expressed through dance,

embodying reverence for the Shinto gods.



My mentor in ritual dance, Mr. Koshichi Nakaguchi (former Chief of Gagaku at Ise Jingu),

often emphasized that those engaged in ritual dance bear the mission of sharing this art widely, helping them understand it,

and passing it down to the future generations.


He often expressed:

‘A dance that touches people's hearts and delivers profound emotions is imbued with a spirit dedicated to the Shinto gods’.

Under his guidance, I not only learned the ritual dance but also gained invaluable lessons from the way he lived as a person.

I believe that a heart dedicated to the Shinto gods reflects cherishing of both oneself and others.

Through dancing, I have come to feel my inner divine self deeply.

The lyrics of “Toyosaka Mai” include phrases such as the following:　

“As dawn’s clouds gently clear away,

the abundant sunrise rises in grace.

It is the work of a divine hand,

and each day is a precious gift.”

* ”Toyosaka Mai” is one of the most representative ritual dances, and it is offered at shrine ceremonies across Japan.

Truly, as I feel the preciousness of each day, I sense the Shinto gods in all that surrounds me.

With a heart filled with gratitude, I feel that expressing it through dance would bring me unparalleled joy.



Guided by my unwavering fascination with the serene elegance of the Gagaku melodies and Heian attire,

I began my journey in dance.

As I immersed myself in this graceful world, my heart grew increasingly fulfilled.

Then, almost effortlessly, I found myself teaching.

Though the years have passed, I continue to guide others—from children to the elderly—in ritual and creative dances,

known  as Shinbu (Shinto sacred dance) , with a divine and true heart—the Yamato spirit— that I have cultivated over time.

A heart remains as it was at birth.

Thus, I wish to pass down Shinbu (Shinto sacred dance) ,

performed with a pure, innocent, divine and true heart—that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.


If you’re interested, please feel free to join us for lessons.

Akemi Tachibana

Shinbu Instructor

Organizer of Matama-no-Kai


Akemi Tachibana has been captivated by Japanese culture, particularly the world of ritual dance,
since childhood.

Background:

• 2008: Began studying under a teacher of sacred ritual dance.
• 2011: Trained with a dancer based in Tokyo.
• 2013: Studied under Mr. Koshichi Nakaguchi, a former Gagaku director at Ise Jingu.

Dedicatory Performances:

• 2013, 2014, 2015: Performed dedicatory dance at the "Moon-Viewing Event," Saiku ,Mie.

• October 8, 2014: Performed dedicatory dance at Nobono Shrine, Kameyama City, Mie.

• August 1, 2015: Performed dedicatory dance at the Geku Sengu Hall Dedication Stage, Ise Jingu.

• August 3, 2015: Performed dedicatory dance at the Annual Festival, Kumano Shrine, Takarazuka City, Hyogo.

• October 4, 2017: Performed dedicatory dance at the "Moon-Viewing Evening," Nigawa Bentenike Park.

• September 10, 2022: Performed dedicatory dance at the "Moon-Viewing Evening," Nigawa Bentenike Park.

• Since 2013: Have been teaching Shinbu (Shinto dance) and participated in various other festivals and events.

Matama-no-Kai was established in October 2014 in Takarazuka,

with Mr. Koshichi Nakaguchi, a former Gagaku director at Ise Jingu, as Honorary President,

and Akemi Tachibana as the leader and instructor.

Activities:

The activities of Matama-no-Kai primarily involve practice sessions at Kumano Shrine in Takarazuka City.

·Since 2015, have participated in the Summer Annual Festival and the Niiname-sai (Japanese harvest ritual).

·Since 2017, have participated in the “Moon-Viewing Evening” at Nigawa Bentenike Park.

　 ·2019 & 2020: Participated in the Workshop Festival at Doors, Nishinomiya.

　　·September 2022: Matama-no-Kai provided Shinbu dancers for the Art Appreciation Event at Osaka Seiko Gakuin.

 

Practice sessions are also held at various other venues as needed.


Note: As of April 2025, the number of membars is approximately 25.

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