CJS Noon Lecture Series | Cheerful Disguise of Japanese Militarism: Geisha's Performances in the 1930’s
Mariko Okada, Associate Professor, Faculty of Humanities, J.F. Oberlin University, Tokyo, Japan
Part of the Toyota Visiting Professor 30th Anniversary Special Lecture Series.
Dance performance of geisha was one of the leading popular entertainments in the first half of the 20th century. Of them, Miyako Odori, an annual dance performance of geisha of Gion, Kyoto was especially powerful. Themes of every year’s Miyako Odori used to be happy, cheerful, beautiful, gorgeous, and were not serious at all. However sudden change was seen in the year 1933. The theme turned heavily political. They seemed to have competed to express their obedience to the national policy of the time, choosing themes to lift the spirits for the war.
Mariko Okada is Associate Professor at Faculty of Humanities, J. F. Oberlin University, Tokyo, Japan. She received her Ph.D. from Waseda University in Tokyo in 2011. She published her book “The Birth of Kyōmai ("Kyoto Dance"): Inoue-ryu Dance in Nineteenth-Century Kyoto, Japan" (Japanese) in 2013.
If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend this event, please reach out to bkinzer@umich.edu at least 2 weeks in advance of this event. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.
Dance performance of geisha was one of the leading popular entertainments in the first half of the 20th century. Of them, Miyako Odori, an annual dance performance of geisha of Gion, Kyoto was especially powerful. Themes of every year’s Miyako Odori used to be happy, cheerful, beautiful, gorgeous, and were not serious at all. However sudden change was seen in the year 1933. The theme turned heavily political. They seemed to have competed to express their obedience to the national policy of the time, choosing themes to lift the spirits for the war.
Mariko Okada is Associate Professor at Faculty of Humanities, J. F. Oberlin University, Tokyo, Japan. She received her Ph.D. from Waseda University in Tokyo in 2011. She published her book “The Birth of Kyōmai ("Kyoto Dance"): Inoue-ryu Dance in Nineteenth-Century Kyoto, Japan" (Japanese) in 2013.
If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend this event, please reach out to bkinzer@umich.edu at least 2 weeks in advance of this event. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.
| Building: | Weiser Hall |
|---|---|
| Event Type: | Lecture / Discussion |
| Tags: | Asia, History, Japanese Studies, Theater |
| Source: | Happening @ Michigan from Center for Japanese Studies, International Institute, Asian Languages and Cultures |
International Institute Programming
The International Institute’s centers sponsor numerous conferences, lectures, exhibits, and cultural performances throughout the year. These events are designed to educate the university community and the public about global issues and inspire discussion and dialogue.
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