Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2011

For a sampling of Japan’s dance scene, it doesn’t get any bigger or better than longstanding venue Die Pratze’s Dance Ga Mitai! festival. The 13th annual performing arts smorgasbord hosts veterans as well newcomers over six weeks this summer. Among the storied names are butoh company Torifune (pictured) and cutting-edge dance-theater-video troupe Kakuya Ohashi and Dancers. They will be joined by the winners of Die Pratze’s emerging artists series and overseas guests, Korean dancer-choreographer Kim Yong-chul and Polish company Dance Theatre Zawirowania.

Until Aug 30, various times, price TBA. D-Soko. Nearest stn: Nippori. Tel: 03-5811-5399. www.geocities.jp/kagurara2000/d13