HDAHF History

Hanayagi Mitsuaki I natori portrait

Hanayagi Dancing Academy was founded in 1947 by Hanayagi Mitsuaki (Viola Ikiye Hosokawa), eldest daughter of Zenjirō and Mitsue Hosokawa, accomplished performers in their own right. Known professionally as Hisamatsu Shusui and Hisamatsu Mitsue, Zenjirō and Mitsue Hosokawa established the Shinsei Gekidan and Hisamatsu Shōjō Dan, dance troupes that performed throughout the islands as well as in cities across North America, and were also invaluable advisors to the University of Hawaiʻi Theatre Guild as they staged the islands’ first kabuki dramas.

Beginning her training in nihon buyō from the age of three, Ikiye studied in Japan for seven years under Hanayagi Sannosuke and received her natori (professional dance name) of Hanayagi Mitsuaki and shihan (dance master) license before returning home to Hawaiʻi. In addition to dance, Mitsuaki was an accomplished in nagauta singing and shamisen (under the name Kineya Satoshi), Urasenke School of Tea Ceremony (Hosokawa Sosui), and Sogetsu School of Ikebana (Hosokawa Shuyo). She passed away on October 15, 2004 at the age of 89.

Hanayagi Mitsuaki I, Kyōkanoko Musume Dōjōji

In a career that spanned over 80 years, Hanayagi Mitsuaki performed in 20 grand recitals, nurtured the talent of countless dancers, and received numerous accolades for her immense contributions to the perpetuation of Japanese performing arts in Hawaiʻi. In 1990, she was the recipient of the Tokubetsu-sho award from the headmaster of the Hanayagi School of Classical Japanese Dance, Hanayagi Jusuke III. She was also recognized with a Kunrokuto-kunsho order of merit by the Emperor of Japan, a Shukun-sho prize by the Prime Minister of Japan, and by various local institutions, including the Governor of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, the Mayor and City & County of Honolulu, the University of Hawaiʻi, the United Japanese Society of Hawaiʻi, the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, and other distinguished organizations.

Endearingly known to her students as Oshishō-sama, Hanayagi Mitsuaki has left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of all she touched with her spirit and commitment to enriching, fostering and perpetuating traditional Japanese arts.

Hanayagi Dancing Academy Recital, 1950s

Hanayagi Mitsuaki I and natori students, 1950s

Hanayagi Mitsuaki I and student backstage

Hanayagi Mitsuaki II

Hanayagi Mitsuyuri (Karen Fujishima-Lee) assumed the role of the Academy’s principal in 2004 in accordance with the wishes of the late Hanayagi Mitsuaki. Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, she began her extensive training in dance and shamisen under Hanayagi Mitsuaki in 1952. She received her Hanayagi natori in 1970, and professional shamisen name of Kineya Satsugiku in 1982.

In 2006, Hanayagi Mitsuyuri received her shihan dance master license and was granted the name Hanayagi Mitsuaki II by the fourth-generation headmaster of the Hanayagi School of Classical Japanese Dance, Hanayagi Jusuke IV. Mitsuaki II expanded her expertise and repertoire through training in Japan, remaining firmly committed to honoring and fulfilling the legacy of our founder. Mitsuaki II was also a professor of mathematics at Leeward Community College. Her sudden passing on February 7, 2008 at the age of 58 was grieved by all who were touched by her passion for dance and teaching.

Hanayagi Mitsuaki II, Seki no To

Hanayagi Dancing Academy Hawaiʻi Foundationʻs current Principal is Hanayagi Mitsujyūrō. Read more about him and his commitment to perpetuating HDAHF forebearsʻ legacies here.