History in Japan

Last time, I told about history of ballet. Today, I would like to tell you how ballet was spread and recognized in Japan.

Japan has a short history of ballet; it is only about 100 years.

Ballet was introduced to Japan in 1912 for the first time, but it didn’t take root.

Anna Pavlova came to Japan and danced “The Dying Swan” in 1922. She taught how beautiful ballet is.

Anna Pavlova

During the World War Ⅱ, ballet couldn’t be presented in Japan.

 After the war, Yusaku Azuma and Eiryo Ashihara established Tokyo Ballet Company. Later it split into some ballet companies such as Tani Momoko Ballet Company (this is one of the famous ballet companies).

Now there are also some other popular ballet companies: Matsuyama Ballet Company, Maki Asami Ballet Company and so on. Japan has a lot of ballet companies at present.

In current Japan, ballet is one of the most popular accomplishments of girls.