Kiina Hanayagi
Traditional Japanese dancer and choreographer.
Born in Tokyo in 1998, she has learned Nihon Buyo (traditional Japanese dance) under Kitoh Hanayagi since the age of six. Mainly active in presenting creative Nihon Buyo dance works composed and choreographed by herself, she choreographs to music in many fields, with classical expression of Japanese dance as a key element. In 2008, she played the role of Butterfly Spirit in Tamasaburo Bando’s special dance performance “Kagami-Jishi”, and played the same role in the New Year Hanagata Kabuki “Shunkyo Kagami-Jishi” in 2010. Graduated first in her class from Tokyo University of the Arts, Department of Traditional Japanese Music in 2020. During her studies, she received the Ataka Prize, the Doseikai Newcomer Prize and the Acanthus Music Prize. Awarded the Prize of Excellence for “Hikari (Seven Lights) – Japanese Dance Creation” at the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Fest 2021. Wrote, directed and starred in the best project of the 15th Sogakudo Concert Hall Project, “Sakuyahime – Zoku Take-Tori Monogatari (Princess Sakuya – a sequel to The Tale of the Bamboo-Cutter)” in 2021. A member of the Japanese music performance and Japanese dance troupe “Sohten”. In 2022, selected and performed as one of “the Next Artists” of Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, and performed in “Tokyo Caravan the 2nd” directed by Hideki Noda. Completed a master’s degree in music at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2023. Awarded the Acanthus Music Prize of the Graduate School.