![Famous choreographers in Japan [the choreographers behind those hit songs and classic tracks]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/RuqaVryDRd0/maxresdefault.webp)
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] (1–10)
s**t kingz
In today’s J-pop scene, where dance-infused pop music has become the mainstream, the choreographer collective s**t kingz is indispensable.
The four-member group consists of Shoji, kazuki, NOPPO, and Oguri.
You’ve probably seen their performances as artists themselves on music programs as well.
They performed as backup dancers for Mariah Carey at MTV VMAJ in 2008, won America’s largest dance contest “Body Rock” back-to-back in 2010 and 2011, and have held workshops around the world.
Individually, the members have choreographed extensively for popular artists like AAA, various Johnny’s groups, DISH//, and BE:FIRST, while as a group they’ve also handled choreography for K-pop artists such as EXO’s “Love Me Right,” BLACKPINK, and SHINee.
Their choreography is striking for its sexy yet sleek flow—be sure to check out their stylish moves.
Their personalities, adored by artists, truly give off the vibe of big-brother figures in the dance world!
RIEHATA
RIEHATA is globally renowned as a dancer in the hip-hop scene.
She incorporated the “Dougie,” a dance that was making waves in the American street scene, and gained worldwide attention.
Although she took a break due to an injury at one point, she made a comeback, performing as a backup dancer for AI and doing an impromptu dance at a Chris Brown concert, collaborating with artists active on the global stage.
She excels at hip-hop-style choreography, and her work on King & Prince’s “ichiban” is especially noteworthy for its powerful, masculine moves that transformed the idol image.
GANMI
GANMI may seem like they’re active as individual dancers, but they’re actually an 11-member dance group! Their recognition soared after becoming the first Japanese team to win a world dance championship held in Los Angeles.
They’ve been spreading dance through original initiatives and activities, and they also do choreography.
They were in charge of the choreography for BTS’s globally popular hit “Butter,” and because they themselves are a dance group, they infused the coolness and fun of dancing as a group into the “Butter” choreography.
Keep that in mind when you watch the music video!
KENZO
KENZO, famous as a performer with DA PUMP, has also choreographed for countless artists, including Eito’s “Perfume,” Fairies, and Yoko Oginome’s “Dancing Hero.” With over 20 years of experience as a dance instructor, he has taught many students and served as a dance trainer on PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON2, which produced the boy group INI.
His dynamic dance style, shaped by his record of winning the Street Dance World Championship eight years in a row, is also a major draw.
Like the catchy “Like” dance in the chorus of the hit song “U.S.A.” that became a social phenomenon, his choreography is memorable for points that everyone can enjoy together and for moves that are fun to perform and energizing.
Takahiro Ueno (TAKAHIRO)
Speaking of the person who shocked the global dance scene as a Japanese performer—winning Amateur Night, a prestigious American competition, for a full year and becoming the first-ever nine-week consecutive champion on the TV contest “Showtime at the Apollo”—that would be Takahiro Ueno.
Ueno has choreographed extensively for the AKB48 and Sakamichi groups; for example, in Keyakizaka46’s “Futari Saison,” the supple movements down to the fingertips and the elegantly airy choreography are especially striking.
It’s quite possible that the choreography for your favorite idol song was done by Ueno!
Rino Nakasone
When it comes to choreographers who mainly work with K-pop artists, Rino Nakasone comes to mind.
Recognized worldwide, she has appeared as a dancer in music videos for Janet Jackson and Justin Bieber since around 2004.
She began choreographing for K-pop artists in 2008, and for Girls’ Generation’s “Oh!” she created choreography that matched outfits highlighting their legs.
Her hallmark is crafting routines that showcase K-pop artists’ great style and proportions.
Papaya Suzuki
Speaking of choreographers who are also dancers and popular on variety shows, Papaya Suzuki comes to mind! In his teens, he became a dancer at Tokyo Disneyland.
He handled the choreography for Yumi Matsutoya’s “Niji no Shita no Doshaburi de,” known for its gentle moves that perfectly match the mellow tone of the song.
For AKB48’s “Koisuru Fortune Cookie,” he added catchy hand movements to his signature soft choreography, turning it into a hugely well-received dance hit!