Ohgi Umetsuzu - Suzu Kajihara
Master dance of the Ohgi School
Japanese traditional dancer
Japanese dance choreographer
Founder of Studio Mai
Founder of Suzu Kimono Salon
Starting at the tender age of two and a half, Umetsuzu commenced her training in Japanese Dance under the tutelage of her mother, a professional Japanese Traditional Dance Choreographer. She subsequently enrolled in the Ohgi School and studied under late Ohgi Umenosuke. The depth of her interest in dance lead her to learn how to play traditional Japanese instruments such as Shamisen and Koto. From a young age, she accompanied her grandmother, an ardent enthusiast of Kabuki and Bunraku, and her father, a devoted admirer of Takarazuka Revue, to various theaters and performances. This exposure to theatrical artistry fostered her passion for dance. Additionally, she studied the oldest form of Japanese dance, Bugaku (Japanese Imperial Court Dance), under the Hara xShouko. She honed her skills and eventually became a member of the women’s Bugaku group, Hara Sho-kai Even after moving to the United States, as a Master of the Ohgi School, she has poured her energy into sharing traditional Japanese culture and has devoted herself to teaching the next generation. She also continues her dance studies under the Ohgi Baihou, the third headmaster of the Ohgi School.
In 2017, Umetsuzu formed the Nagauta Unit “Yuuga” with Nagauta shamisen player Kineya Sahosho and Nagauta singer Saeko Araki, who both resonated with her dedication of over a half century to the art of Japanese Dance. Their activities extend beyond Japan and the United States, encompassing Europe and Asia.
As someone who has worn kimono from a young age, Umetsuzu’s kimono dressing is exquisite not only when standing still but shows its beauty even more when in motion. At Suzu Kimono Salon, she provides instruction that brings out the best in each individual. With a depth of knowledge born of experience, she conveys through her kimono dressing graceful behavior that aligns with the changing of seasons and different occasions
Studio Manager
Akemi Watanabe