Tatsumi Hijikata

One of the two founding creators of the practice of Butoh, Tatsumi Hijikata was known for his highly stylized form of dance-theatre, his rigorous and often demanding persona as a director, and his reputation as part of the “dirty avant garde” of the post-World War II art world.

He was born in the remote Akita region of Northern Japan, the tenth of eleven siblings. Growing up in rural and “wild” northern Japan had a lasting impact on Hijikata, and the imagery of the natural world - both beautiful and dangerous - can be seen in many of his works and writings.

After the second world war, Hijikata moved from Akita to Tokyo to study dance. He claimed to have supported himself during this time by committing petty crimes, however there is little evidence to suggest that this is true. Nonetheless, Hijikata’s desire to be seen as an “outlaw” and his interest in subversion can clearly be seen in the artform that he founded. Along with his colleagues Kazuo Ohno and Motofuji Akiko, Hijikata developed a style of performance that defied traditional notions of beauty and flew in the face of cultural norms in both Japan and the West.

Hijikata’s career as a performer was notably short, ending in 1973 with a guest-appearance in the Dairakudakan Company’s presentation of Myth of the Phallus. For the remainder of his career, he focussed on choreography and training, while dancer Kazuo Ohno became the more prominent face of Butoh. Just as Butoh was beginning to gain worldwide attention - and as he was reportedly pondering a return to the stage - Hijikata died unexpectedly of liver failure. The archive of his films, writings and other personal artifacts are maintained by Keio University in Tokyo.

Key Dates & Events

• 1959 - Hijikata performs Kinjiki (“Forbidden colors”), now considered to be the first Butoh piece.
• 1962 - Hijikata and Motofuji Akiko found the Asbestos Hall Theatre in Tokyo.
• 1968 - Hijikata performs Hijikata Tatsumi and Japanese People: Revolt of the Body.
• 1973 - Hijikata’s final performance as a dancer during a guest-appearance in the Dairakudakan Company’s presentation of Myth of the Phallus.
• 1976 - Hijikata largely withdraws from public life and performance.