Bando Mitsusa Kai

Classical Japanese Dancing

Madame Bando Mitsusa has been teaching Japanese Classical Dance to South Bay students for the past thirty years. Her dedication and discipline have guided two generations of Japanese Americans in the appreciation of their culture and traditions through dance.

Bando Mitsusa is well known throughout the United States and Japan for her artistic talent and choreography. In 1957, she was designated as the official delegate of the Bando School of Japan in the United States. This honor was bestowed upon her by the late Master Bando Mitsugoro VII who was then one of Japan's National Living Treasures.

The Bando form of classical dance has its earliest roots in the Kabuki theaters of 16th century Japan. It requires a great amount of diligence and discipline from its students as well as support from their families. Students begin study as early as the age of four and contine well into their senior years.

Currently there are forty active students of all ages in the South Bay area including six who have achieved their professional titles. Madame Bando Mitsusa and her students have participated in many local community events such as the Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival, San Jose and MountainView Obon Festivals, Wesley Methodist Church's Aki Matsuri and Nikkei Matsuri as well as providing entertainment for senior citizens and many private and charitable organizations. In addition to these events, major elaborate recitals are given every five to seven years.