scene, as it may make it difficult to invite foreign companies. In despite of the trend toward fewer children per family and the economic slump, the number of ballet competition is increasing even more, due to reasons that include chain-style operation and integrations. Nevertheless, in some competitions, the number of participants has decreased. Meanwhile, in January, Niyama Haruo won first prize at Prix de Lausanne and in June, Kida Mariko, who is a soloist of Royal Swedish Ballet, was awarded the world’s prestigious Prix Benois de la Danse. Both news were reported extensively in the Japanese media too. Further, I want to mention that there were also many other Japanese runners-up other international ballet competitions and this proves the high level of Japanese dancers overall. 097
Urawa, Makoto His autonym is Ichikawa Akira, Professor at Shoin University, Faculty of Business Administration and Corporate Culture. He serves as advisor for dance to The Association of Public Theaters and Halls in Japan and contributes reviews for various newspapers and magazines as dance critic. He has also held positions in various committees, including the committee to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and has been on the jury for many dance competitions. (Translation: Sumida Michiyo)
Theatre in Japan
Theatre Yearbook 2015