butō

Japanese theatrical movement

Also known as: Butoh, ankoku butō

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Butoh is a Japanese form of dance or performance art characterized by slow movements and often white makeup. This theatrical movement originated in Japan and is known for its unique aesthetic. The term "butoh" itself is borrowed from the Japanese word for "dance".1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

butoh
bugaku

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Japanese performing arts
Since World War II
…Japanese aesthetics is seen in butō (or ankoku butō, “dance of darkness”; usually Anglicized as Butoh), a postmodern movement begun by Hijikata Tatsumi and Ohno Kazuo in the 1950s in which formal dance technique is eschewed and primal sexuality and the grotesque are explored. The Butoh troupes Sankaijuku, Dairakudakan, and…
Read More
…Japanese aesthetics is seen in butō (or ankoku butō, “dance of darkness”; usually Anglicized as Butoh), a postmodern movement begun by Hijikata Tatsumi and Ohno Kazuo in the 1950s in which formal dance technique is eschewed and primal sexuality and the grotesque are explored. The Butoh troupes Sankaijuku, Dairakudakan, and…
Read More