Remembering Kazuo Ohno (1906-2010)

Photo Nobuyoshi Araki.


Kazuo Ohno was a miraculous Butoh dancer
and living embodiment of the idea that existence is the weakened body
of non-being.


A progenitor of Butoh along with Tatsumi Hijikata,
Ohno lived until the age of 103 and achieved in his prostrate state of
death yet one more performance.


In that form we practitioners of Butoh can find both radiant compassion,
and a blade pointed at our hearts.


Though we mourn Kazuo Ohno's miraculous passing,
we hope to carry forward his powerful will for life.


Patron saint of young Butoh dancers,
he will surely shine his light on us from somewhere…




- Akaji Maro (Dairakudakan)