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- Azuma Odori is usually held every year in May. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was cancelled in 2020. In 2021, it was resumed but held on October 27th and 28th as a mix of video and live performance. This version adds previously unseen scenes as well as the live performance finale held at the Shinbashi Enbujo Theater. The video performance was directed by Onoe Kikunojo, the head (iemoto) of the Onoe school. He has supervised choreographies for many Kabuki performances and Takarazuka Revues. 1. Four Seasons of Shinbashi / Video Directing & Choreography: Onoe Kikunojo, Nishikawa Sakon, Hanayagi Jusuke * the New Year : hatsuharu ~ yakkosan ~ shishiwa ~ kappore * Spring : harugasumi * Summer : ayame yukata / yagibushi * Autumn : karigane * Winter : hagoromo 2. Finale / Live-Event at the Shinbashi Enbujo Theater in Tokyo Directing: Onoe Kikunojo Choreography: Nishikawa Koisaburo In the hatsuharu scene, geisha perform a dance in the largest hall of the ryotei restaurant "Shinkiraku", which was designed by Yoshida Isoya, a master of the sukiya style (style of architecture). The hall prominently features a golden folding screen. During one performance the whole room is covered in hundreds of irises. The background of the hagoromo scene is decorated by 22 sliding door paintings titled Fuji and the Hakone Mountain Range. This is the first time ever they are revealed to the public. They were painted by Yokoyama Taikan, after he spent three months in the ryotei restaurant "Kanetanaka". There are even more art works which will be revealed for the first time during this show, such as the twin paintings of red and white plum blossoms created by Yamaguchi Hoshun and Fukuda Heihachiro. * Hatsuharu ~ Yakkosan ~ Shishiwa ~ Kappore All the young geisha will perform hatsuharu, a classic New Year's performance. This will be followed by performance of the traditional pieces yakkosan, shishiwa and kappore by more experienced geisha. The performance will be held in the ryotei restaurant "Shinkiraku" and will be as spectacular as if all of the performers of Shinbashi were dancing at once. * Harugasumi Sukeroku, the most handsome man in Edo (now Tokyo), is a popular role in Kabuki. Both he and his lover Agemaki are played by geisha. This ko-uta song is performed in ozashiki. Please enjoy this mix of delicacy, elegance, and eroticism which only geisha can offer. This is an adaptation of common Kabuki play. * Ayame Yukata This is a song with an early summer feel. A stylish chief firefighter (tobigashira) dances accompanied by two geisha. This time, the tatami room in the ryotei restaurant "Shinkiraku" is decorated with fresh irises, giving it a luxurious feel. * Yagibushi This folk song, originating from the northern Kanto region, has become popular throughout all of Japan and is often performed in the ryotei restaurant "Kanetanaka". The lyrics of this performance are from a distinctive Shinbashi version, which was first presented at the 89th Azuma Odori. It is a dance competition between a chief firefighter (tobigashira) and a geisha. * Karigane This piece belongs to a certain style of Kabuki background music (yosogoto joruri). It has also been performed as a dance with various choreographies. In this version we perform outdoors in the garden of a ryotei restaurant. Please enjoy the beauty of the scenery and the pure atmosphere of the moon in early autumn. * Sagimusume It is still snowing, and the red and white plum blossoms are beginning to fade. The main characters are heron spirit who take human form through the power of their love. As their feelings for each other grow stronger, their costumes and dance become more elaborate. In this version the dance is performed in the Onoe and Hanayagi style. Please enjoy the two heron girls' dance. * Hagoromo This piece is based on a Noh play. The celestial maiden returns a robe and performs a dance to thank the gods. Then she soars up to the sky. In front of a sliding door painting by Yokoyama Taikan titled Fuji and Sea of Clouds. Please look forward to the celestial maiden soaring up to the sky. * Finale - Sawagi Sawagi is one of the most famous songs played by geisha. The melody is full of energy, bright and euphoric, with a powerful rhythm that makes the audience want to dance. The lyrics as well as the singing style differ for each geisha district. Azuma Odori always ends with sawagi which attracts a large audience.