Learn to dance Tankō Bushi: Standalone Bon dance workshop
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Learn how to dance Tankō Bushi, one of Japan’s best-known Bon dances, in a standalone workshop, presented in partnership with the Japan Association in the UK.
Open to everyone, including complete beginners, this session provides a friendly introduction to Tankō Bushi and requires no previous dance experience.
The workshop is designed as a self-contained experience. Participants interested in performing at Japan Matsuri should instead book our separate Tankō Bushi Performance Group, which includes two practice sessions and a performance at Japan Matsuri on 4 October 2026.
Bon dance is a central part of Obon, one of Japan’s most important annual festivals. Typically held in mid-August, Obon is a time when the spirits of the deceased are believed to return to visit their loved ones. Across Japan, communities gather in parks, temple and shrine grounds, and public squares to dance together in celebration, often wearing summer yukata and moving in circles to lively music
Bon dance traditions vary across Japan, with each region having its own distinctive dances and music. This workshop focuses on Tankō Bushi, which originated in the coal-mining communities of Tagawa in Fukuoka Prefecture. The dance’s movements are inspired by the work of miners, from shovelling coal to pushing mine carts.
This event series forms part of a wider programme at Japan House London highlighting Japanese communities in the UK, organised in collaboration with the Japan Association in the UK, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
The workshops are inspired by Iwane Ai’s Kipuka series, featured in the Kyotographie exhibition, which explores the lives and Obon celebrations of Japanese communities in Hawaii.
Booking Essential | £5 per session
Tickets for the event are non-refundable. Please read our Terms and Conditions for Event Tickets before purchasing your ticket.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No previous dance experience required.
Open to everyone, including complete beginners, this session provides a friendly introduction to Tankō Bushi and requires no previous dance experience.
The workshop is designed as a self-contained experience. Participants interested in performing at Japan Matsuri should instead book our separate Tankō Bushi Performance Group, which includes two practice sessions and a performance at Japan Matsuri on 4 October 2026.
Bon dance is a central part of Obon, one of Japan’s most important annual festivals. Typically held in mid-August, Obon is a time when the spirits of the deceased are believed to return to visit their loved ones. Across Japan, communities gather in parks, temple and shrine grounds, and public squares to dance together in celebration, often wearing summer yukata and moving in circles to lively music
Bon dance traditions vary across Japan, with each region having its own distinctive dances and music. This workshop focuses on Tankō Bushi, which originated in the coal-mining communities of Tagawa in Fukuoka Prefecture. The dance’s movements are inspired by the work of miners, from shovelling coal to pushing mine carts.
This event series forms part of a wider programme at Japan House London highlighting Japanese communities in the UK, organised in collaboration with the Japan Association in the UK, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
The workshops are inspired by Iwane Ai’s Kipuka series, featured in the Kyotographie exhibition, which explores the lives and Obon celebrations of Japanese communities in Hawaii.
Booking Essential | £5 per session
Tickets for the event are non-refundable. Please read our Terms and Conditions for Event Tickets before purchasing your ticket.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No previous dance experience required.
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Where is it happening?
101-111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA London, United Kingdom, 101 Kensington High Street, London, W8 4, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherJapan House London
