Outline of the association
History
A group called the Japanese Dance Association was first formed in 1930, but disbanded in 1940 under the wartime regime. Changing its name to the Dai Nihon Buyo Renmei , it resumed its activities, but ceased to operate with the conclusion of WWII. In May 1949, at the suggestion of the nihon buyo artist Jusuke Hanayagi II (who later took the stage name, Juo Hanayagi), the Japanese Dance Association was re-established with Jusuke Hanayagi as chairman. This marked the starting point of the present Japanese Dance Association. With the revival of cultural activity that accompanied postwar reconstruction came a heightened awareness to make the association an organization with public status and social accountability. And in 1955, it grew from a voluntary organization into a public corporation. An application was submitted to the Minister for Cultural Affairs in September 1955, and was approved on December 28th of the same year, establishing and launching the Japanese Dance Association Inc. with Mr. Seiichiro Takahashi, Director of the Japan Art Academy as its first chairman. With 1,364 full-time and 1,117 associate members, the membership totaled 2,488. In the fifty years since, Mr. Takahashi has been succeeded by Mr. Jiro Arimitsu, followed by our present chairman, Mr. Tadashi Inumaru, marking three generations of chairmen who are simultaneously directors of the Japan Art Academy . Our present membership surpasses 6,000, and we enjoy a credibility backed by the Cultural Affairs Agency, the government agency supervising the association.
Organization

The operation of the Japanese Dance Association is managed through the decision of the board of directors. Our articles of association state an appointment of between fifteen and twenty directors (including one chairman, two vice chairmen, and five managing directors), and either two or three auditors. The term of office for each member of the board is two years. After each term, board members are selected through an election process, and must be approved in a general meeting of members of the association.

With the exception of directors and auditors, advisors, special counselors, counselors and committee members are nominated by the board of directors and are selected by the chairman.

Members of the association reside across Japan , and branch offices in Tokyo and Kansai areas and in each prefecture have been established to support the growth of the association on the national level. Currently, the number of branch offices have grown to twenty-three.
Mission and Activities

The mission of the Japanese Dance Association Inc. as a corporation, as stated in the memorandum and articles of association, are as follows:

“The objects of establishing this corporation are to promote nihon buyo with a view to its growth and development, in addition to establishing a firm professional basis for nihon buyo artists, and through these activities to contribute to the development of Japan 's culture.”

We engage in a range of activities in order to achieve our mission.

1. Studies related to nihon buyo

2. Training sessions, lectures, and performances which contribute to the advancement of the artistic technique and education of nihon buyo artists

3. Collecting and preserving data and reference materials on nihon buyo

4. Assisting in the public recognition of nihon buyo artists and their public welfare

5. Publication of newsletters and books

6. Other activities necessary for achieving our mission

Contact information

The Japanese Dance Association Inc.

2-18-1-210 Kachidoki Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0054 JAPAN

Telephone +81 (0)3 3533-6455 (Japanese only)

Fax +81 (0)3 3533-8768

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