Koshoku Ichidai Otoko: Kabukicho Hosts Perform Japanese Classical Dance at Noh Stage for Third Time

June 23 (Tue) – 28 (Sun), 2026 – Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage

Smappa!Group (Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo), which champions the slogan 'Bringing Japanese culture from Kabukicho' and aims to transform the district from a transient entertainment zone into a cultural hub, will present the third 'Mizarae' performance by its host-led Japanese dance troupe, 'Koshoku Ichidai Otoko.' The six-day non-stop event runs from June 23 (Tue) to June 28 (Sun), 2026, at the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage. Admission is 1,000 yen, payable in cash on the day. Reservations are available via Peatix.

What is 'Koshoku Ichidai Otoko'? — Japanese Culture from Kabukicho

'Koshoku Ichidai Otoko' is a Japanese classical dance group formed by hosts from Smappa!Group. Founded in June 2024, the group was inspired by Smappa!Group President Makoto Tezuka’s vision: 'In Kabukicho, once planned to host the Kabuki-za, hosts should become cultural connoisseurs who appreciate and embody traditional arts.' Under the guidance of Yamamura Wakashige, a master of the Yamamura School of Kansai-style dance, members practice diligently before their shifts each week. This marks their third Mizarae performance, having welcomed over 700 attendees cumulatively.

The group’s name comes from Ihara Saikaku’s 1682 debut work and the first 'Ukiyo-zōshi' (floating world tale), 'Koshoku Ichidai Otoko' (The Life of an Amorous Man). It reflects the members’ aspiration to become refined aesthetes, akin to the legendary playboy and literary figure Yūshi no Suke, rivaling even Genji.

Highlights of This Performance

【1】The Aesthetics of Contrast

Hosts, known for entertaining clients in the nightlife district, take the stage in kimono performing Japanese classical dance. The stark contrast between the image of a host and the graceful, serene movements with a fan is precisely what makes this performance captivating.

【2】The Power of Dedication: Training Before Work

Dancing with a hangover only worsens the dizziness. Members oversleep, get bruises, and even suffer bone fractures. Despite repeated advice from Master Yamamura Wakashige to 'practice at least five minutes daily,' the members often reply, 'We know…' Yet since June 2024, they have consistently trained before work each week. This dedication shines through on stage.

【3】The Inevitability of Kabukicho Meets Traditional Art

Kabukicho was originally intended to host the Kabuki-za. Today, it has a Noh stage. That hosts from Kabukicho perform Japanese dance here is no coincidence—it is a natural outcome of this unique district. 'Koshoku Ichidai Otoko' offers a stage where anyone can easily experience traditional Japanese performing arts.

Performance Details

Dates

June 23 (Tue) – June 28 (Sun), 2026

Time

18:30 Doors Open – 19:00 Start (Approx. 75 minutes; subject to change)

Venue

Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage, 2F Lions Plaza Shinjuku, 2-9-18 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021

Access

3-minute walk from Exit E1 of Tokyo Metro Shinjuku-sanchome Station 8-minute walk from the North Exit of Seibu-Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line

Admission

1,000 yen (cash only, paid on-site)

Official Website

https://note.com/smappa_jpnbunka/n/nbc3fa791b1e7

Reservations

https://koshokuichidaiotoko03.peatix.com/ If unable to reserve: koushokuichidai.kabukicho@gmail.com (Subject: Koshoku Ichidai Otoko Mizarae 3rd Edition; Body: Name, number of attendees, preferred date)

Seating

Free seating (first-come, first-served)

Organizer

Smappa!Group

Supporting Organizations

Kabukicho Shopping District Revitalization Association, Shinjuku Field Museum Council

Press Materials

Freely available for use. For additional materials, please contact us. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Qwun1HXoZwiwv34pBvuhQ3ZBz7abLov4?usp=sharing

Polaroid Photo Session & Official Goods Sale

Polaroid Photo Session: Take a 2-shot or solo photo with your favorite member. 2,000 yen (includes photo and autograph). Free for fan club members.

Official Goods (on-site sales):

・ Tenugui (hand towel): 1,000 yen (featuring Tenson’s calligraphy logo, 'Mikuu' color)

・ Uchiwa (fan): 1,500 yen

・ Can badge: 300 yen

・ Sticker: 500 yen

・ Host Manyoshu (self-published by Smappa!Group): 1,000 yen / Volumes 1 & 2 (Kodansha): 1,300 yen each / Paperback (Kodansha): 700 yen

Koshoku Ichidai Otoko Fan Club – 3rd Edition Limited Benefits

General Members: Free Polaroid + autograph, Tenson’s Letter of Gratitude

Special Members: Full set of goods (on-site gift), Tenson’s Letter of Gratitude, Polaroid + autograph, backstage visit & toast on closing night, rehearsal & dress rehearsal viewing

Fan Club Official Site: https://koushokuichidaiotoko.com/

Koshoku Ichidai Otoko Members (11 total)

Makoto Tezuka, Aika Osaki, Musashi, Aki, Kūjō承太郎, Mitsuaki, Uta, Tenson, Yōji, Ryūshi, Tiawan

*Cast subject to change

The group’s name calligraphy was done by Tenson. Musashi, always on the run; Aki, who loves walks and is dependable. Uta, skilled in singing and dancing. Mitsuaki, bold enough to rap beside Seiko Itoh. Kūjō承太郎, the JoJo-loving prince. Yōji, who can talk endlessly about films; Tiawan, knowledgeable about temples and shrines. Aika, known as a 'walking Tabelog.' Boss Makoto Tezuka. Ryūshi, incredibly talented but rarely shows up for practice. A vibrant and diverse team.

Choreography Instructor: Yamamura Wakashige (Master of Yamamura School of Kansai-style Dance)

Comment from Master Yamamura Wakashige

'I am delighted that Japanese classical dance can be performed in Kabukicho, once intended to host the Kabuki-za. The performers train seriously every week. I hope everyone will come to see their achievements.' — Yamamura Wakashige (Master of Yamamura School of Kansai-style Dance)

About Kansai-style Dance and the Yamamura School

'Kansai-style Dance' includes 'Jiuta Mai' (dance set to traditional songs), 'Honkyoku' (derived from Noh), 'Enbutsu' (erotic-themed dances), and 'Kokkeibutsu' (comical dances featuring animals). The 'Yamamura School' is the oldest among the four major Kansai schools (Inoue, Meiyo, Yamamura, Yoshimura), founded in Osaka in 1806 (Bunka 3). Deeply connected to Noh and Bunraku puppet theater, it is famously referenced in Tanizaki Jun'ichirō’s 'Sasameyuki' (The Makioka Sisters), where protagonist Yukiko dances the 'Yuki' piece.

Related Event

Public Host Poetry Gathering × 3rd Koshoku Ichidai Otoko Mizarae

Smappa!Group hosts a monthly 'Host Poetry Gathering' at host club AWAKE. Usually a closed event for instructors and cast, this time it will be open to the public to celebrate the 3rd Mizarae. Attendees of the June 25 (Thu) performance can view the open poetry gathering.

A special 'ranking match' will be held under unique rules. Normally divided into 'Newcomer,' 'Quasi-Special,' and 'Special' categories, this time all participants—regardless of status—will compete with one poem each. It’s possible for a newcomer to outscore a Special member,