Samurai Kenbu®
Kyoto / Tokyo
Traditional Swprdplay & Performance
Kenbu
Valiantly dressed in a crested kimono and hakama, the performer vigorously draws his sword for successive displays of fencing techniques while shuffling across the stage. He uses his fan to imitate fallen petals as an expression of the vanity of life, accompanied by the sonorously energetic voice of a poetry reciter in the foreground. Such is kenbu, a performing art established by samurai.
“Kenbu (Gin’ei-kenshibu)” is a traditional Japanese stage performance art that utilizes the Katana (traditional Japanese sword) and Japanese fan while expressing the poems that were mostly written by samurai. In feudal times samurais performed Kenbu to give themselves courage or to achieve mental concentration. In the movie "The Last Samurai" you can see the actor performing Kenbu on the day before the battle.
The “Samurai Kenbu Theater” is a training and performance hall in Kyoto. It was established in 2014 by Magari Auga (successor of the Seiga-ryu) with the general aim to “increase the presence of kenbu.” We offer programs including performances of Kenbu, designed especially for people who have never seen it before, as well as trial lessons where participants can try and practice kenbu with the sword and the folding fan. We welcome any visitor with an interest in kenbu and samurai culture.
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Essences of Kenbu
Essence 1
The leaders of the late Tokugawa period were the first to perform dances with their swords.
As in any other field, the question “when it all began” is difficult to answer precisely also in the case of kenbu. When the sword itself was brought to Japan from the Asian continent,...
Essence 2
Meanings of expression of Kenbu
One of the most famous kenbu programs is “Kawanakajima” This classical Chinese-style poem by Rai Sanyo, a samurai and master of Chinese poetry in the late Edo period, illustrates the rivalry between Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen in the sengoku era of civil wars,...
Essence 3
'Samurai’ and ‘Kenbu’
Kenbu is a form of performing arts created by samurai. While there have existed a variety of warrior groups around the world, the “samurai” were a rather exceptional case of a group that ...
Essence4
Kenbu piece of the month
The author, Otomo no Yakamochi (718-785) was the eldest son of Otomo no Tabito, a powerful chief councilor of state who served the Yamato government in the Nara period. Born into the family of a military officer...
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VIDEOS
Samurai & Kenbu
Explanation of samurai and sword dance
Digest of live online show
We held an online live show in Sept. 2020.
SAMURAI KEMBU TRIP
Broadcasted by in 2011.
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Programs
FULL LESSON - SAMURAI CLASS (75MIN)
Kyoto / Tokyo
An authentic course which allows you to experience the Samurai Spirit through performing “Kenbu”, a traditional Japanese art. Learn basic techniques of “Kenbu” such as handling a Japanese sword, performing slashing techniques and some simple samurai actions. You can also learn how to handle a Japanese fan and the way of bowing and walking in traditional arts. We have many outfits (Kimono and Hakama) used in actual “Kenbu” performances available during the workshop. Feel free to choose whichever you prefer. We recommend the gold-brocaded Hakama for those who want to try something special. There is some time allocated for picture-taking after changing into the costumes. The instructor will help you with some cool Samurai poses.
KENBU SHOW
Kyoto
The Kenbu stage show is performed by our kenbu masters. You can satisfy your intellectual curiosity with in-depth talks.
REGULAR KENBU TRAINING
Kyoto JPY5000~/Month
If you are a Japanese resident, you are welcome to enter our Kenbu school. *We do not accept online reservations. Please contact us by E-mail.
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Staff
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Contact Us
Samurai Kenbu Theater (Kyoto dojo)
35-7 Sanchome, Higashiyama-ku | B1F GOZAN Hotel, Kyoto 605-0005, Kyoto Prefecture
Contact +81(0)75-751-2033
Open 9:30 Close 19:00 (Mon.Tue.Wed.Fri.Sat.)
COMPANY Info.
Ginbu Co.,Ltd.
https://www.ginbu.co.jp/ (Japanese)
School of Kenbu, Demonstrations, Corporate training, Special classes at schools