Famous choreographers in Japan [the choreographers behind those hit songs and classic tracks]
The expansion of music through choreographers.
These days, in addition to listening to songs, we’re increasingly watching music videos as well.
It’s become an era where dance could be called the mainstream—think of nationally beloved hit songs or K-POP, where dance and the music scene are inseparable.
We’re moved, overwhelmed, and inspired by choreography that weaves in the song’s deeper meaning and showcases a wide range of creative ideas.
In this article, we’ll shine a spotlight on the choreographers behind these iconic tracks!
Let’s dive into their worlds alongside a variety of hit songs!
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Famous Japanese Choreographers [Choreographers Behind Those Hit Songs and Classics] (11–20)
Mayumi Natsu
Mayumi Natsu, the mentor behind Morning Musume—whose high performance is still widely praised—has left a strong impression with choreography that everyone can enjoy, led by “LOVE Machine.” If Tsunku is the group’s father, Natsu may be seen as a motherly presence.
After studying dance around the world, she became the first Japanese solo dancer to perform at the Apollo Theater in 1993.
In addition to Morning Musume, she was also involved with AKB48 for about two years before the group officially launched.
She says she focuses on tailoring choreography to people, and it’s striking how effectively she visualizes each group’s worldview.
Building on her highly regarded coaching skills, she is dedicated to advancing dance from multiple angles as the head of Natsu Funky Hearts.
Yumi Ishikawa
Yumi Ishikawa, well known for choreographing songs for Momoiro Clover Z, has performed as a dancer with artists such as Ami Suzuki, SMAP, and TRF, appearing at concerts and events.
She began working as a choreographer in 2002.
At her manager’s request, she has served as Momoclo’s exclusive choreographer since 2008.
The song “Saraba, Itoshiki Kanashimitachi yo” won Best Choreography at MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2013.
She also focuses on choreographing for voice actors, including Aqours, Sphere, and Aya Hirano, and is known for upbeat routines that celebrate individuality.
Seishiro
Seishiro is acclaimed for his artistic choreography that incorporates elements of jazz, vogue, and contemporary dance.
He demonstrated his talent by becoming the youngest winner of the “Legend Tokyo” contest in 2015, and he is best known for choreographing Nogizaka46 songs such as Influencer and Synchronicity.
His work is striking for its captivating pull at first sight, conveying the beauty of stillness and motion and an air of elegance.
He also handled the collaboration that drew attention at the 2020 FNS Music Festival Summer Edition: Naotaro Moriyama and Yurina Hirate’s If Living Is Painful.
Seishiro, who values expressing the inner workings of human beings, creates choreography brimming with impulse and warmth, as if speaking directly to the depths of the heart.
WARNER
Mr.
WARNER, also known as a trainer from PRODUCE 101 JAPAN Season 1, which produced JO1, hails from Kyoto Prefecture.
He is active as both a director and an artist.
After honing his dance skills in Los Angeles, he performed as a backup dancer for artists such as Mariah Carey and Hikaru Utada.
As a choreographer, he has worked across a wide range—from powerhouse vocalists to idols—on projects including Namie Amuro’s “SO CRAZY,” AKB48’s “Manatsu no Sounds good!,” and Nogizaka46’s “Sayonara no Imi.” His motto is to create choreography that brings out an artist’s charm and potential while honoring the song’s world, making him a choreographer who could be said to work from a fan’s perspective.
Continually delivering the appeal of entertainment through diverse methods—such as developing the “Pelvic Shake Dance”—WARNER also captivates as a vocalist with a sweet, beautiful voice.
He’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.
MAIKO
MAIKO, who has choreographed many of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s songs, has roots in modern ballet and rhythmic gymnastics.
She has performed as a member of the dance team Tokyo★Kids—where s**t kingz members Shoji and Kazuki once belonged—and as a backup dancer for artists like Maki Ohguro.
She choreographed most of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s songs up to 2017, and in 2021 she created the choreography for Hey! Say! JUMP’s “Gunjou Runaway.” One of her major appeals is the catchy quality that makes her work easy for even small children to enjoy, as seen in “Invader Invader” and Kanjani Eight’s “Panorama.” Together with her husband KITE, she is energetically promoting dance through activities such as teaching at the studio DANCE WORKS.
CRE8BOY
CreateBoy is a choreography unit formed in 2012.
Their representative works include songs by the 46 and 48 groups such as Hinatazaka46’s “Kyun” and “Doremisolasido,” as well as Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s “Boku no Koto (Abema Kyo-Suki Club Culture Festival ver.).” Each member brings different roots, and the more you watch their choreographed pieces, the more borderless they feel.
Their choreography truly shines in bright, high-impact dance numbers and emotionally powerful tracks, packed with an approachable charm that everyone can love.
Their policy of valuing playfulness is wonderful, too.
You’ll be wrapped in a sense of happiness that conveys the preciousness of human connection and smiles!
In conclusion
We introduced some famous Japanese choreographers.
There were many familiar routines, weren’t there? In recent years, choreographers have often been featured on TV and elsewhere, which has likely drawn many people in.
It would be great if getting to know the choreographers helps us enjoy dance on a deeper level.