FullmyBijin Academy
About

Philosophy and Mission

At FullmyBijin Academy we believe people possess a unique, inner beauty which may be cultivated and fulfilled in learning the art of traditional Japanese dance and gestures. It is the discovery of the harmony between a timeless culture and modern sensibility so that all individuals, regardless of their age or gender, may live more enriched, fulfilled lives.

Our mission is to preserve the beauty of traditional Japanese dance and gestures and to serve as an ambassador of Japanese culture to the modern world. We are thus committed to globally promoting Japan's dance aesthetic while cultivating instructors and performers to ensure the preservation of these traditions for all posterity.

The philosophy of Fullmybijin Academy founder Mai Sakurakawa

Mai Sakurakawa (founder)

Profile

Born in Asakusa, Japan, Mai Sakurakawa has been on the path of Japanese dance since the age of 4 and is the founder and CEO of FullmyBijin Academy Inc.

Instructor Mai Sakurakawa's credits include:

  • At the age of 15, she acquired the Fujima style master qualification.

  • She has appeared in many dance performances including the National Theater and Kabukiza Theater.

  • Under Tsuruga Wakasanojo (living national treasure), she studied Shinnai Joruri and Shamisen (representative cultures of Edo), performing numerous concerts and recitals.

  • Performed at Carnegie Hall in New York in 1998.

  • In addition to contributing to cultural exchanges with Italy, the United States and Vienna, Austria, she contributed to activities to spread Japanese culture to the world, such as performances in China and welcomed performances by the President of Tanzania.

  • Having many years of experience in mastering Japanese dance, she is currently committed to teaching women how to become individuals of the utmost elegance and grace, globally.

Fullmybijin Academy Achievements

February 4, 2022: FullmyBijin Academy established as a general incorporated association.

May 2022: Successfully held a trial lecture at the Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi main store “Sanyui Exhibition”, marking an important first step in the establishment of the Academy.

November 2022: Collaboration in Japanese dance with ILICO, winner of the Egyptian International Belly Dance Competition

March 2023: Exhibited for the first time at the Tokyo Kimono Show, the largest kimono event in Japan. Workshops by all instructors were very well received and dramatically increased the recognition of the FullmyBijin Academy.

April 2023: Nihonbashi School opens in Horidome-cho, Nihonbashi.

August 2023: Presented a creative dance “MODERN TRADITION” in Los Angeles, using Zoom remote instruction to complete the dance with two instructors and other dancers living in the U.S., demonstrating a new international challenge.

November 2023: Exhibited at the International Forum “Tokyo Kimono Salone” and two instructors were born. Free advice brings immediate results and is highly praised by participants.

November 2023: “MODERN TRADITION” performance with Kunihiro Matsumoto at nail artist Nobuko Nagata's “NOBU Collection” at Osaka's Otsuki Noh Theater.

December 2023: “MODERN TRADITION” performance with Kunihiro Matsumoto at the Christmas party hosted by world champion makeup artist Koji Watanabe.

February 2024: “MODERN TRADITION” performance with Kunihiro Matsumoto again at the cruising party and debriefing for Japan Expo 2023 in Australia.

March 2024: Exhibited again at the “Tokyo Kimono Show” and three instructors were born. In addition to the workshops, they performed in a runway show in matching kimonos.

May 2024: The first “Mai-no-kai” (dance party) is held, featuring 18 performances and a very successful open class and hands-on workshops to demonstrate the growth of the students.

August 2024: “FullmyBijin Academy no Shosaku Lecture” was held at the Kyoto head store of the kimono store “Kyoto Kimono Kyokomachi” and at the Tokyo branch in September. The course was well received by many participants through practical instruction on gestures.

August 2024: Online courses will be offered by instructors of the FullmyBijin Academy. Through a digital platform, the Academy will provide learning opportunities to participants in Japan.

September 2024: Participate in JAPAN EXPO ONLINE CULTURE and distribute courses worldwide. Promote international cultural exchange.

December 14, 2024: JAPAN EXPO

Presented “MODERN TRADITION” “Japanese Dance” with Kunihiro Matsumoto at Sydney City Hall, Australia. The performance was highly acclaimed for its harmony between the Victorian architecture and the performance.

April 2025: Exhibited at the Tokyo Kimono Show. Three instructors made their debut.

Future Initiatives

FullmyBijin Academy continues to spread the value of traditional Japanese dance through international exchange, while passing on the beauty and manners of traditional Japanese dance to the next generation. We will continue to actively develop our activities for future growth and development. Please join us in our mission to beautify the world through Japanese dance!