Dansu = ダンス (The Dance)
- Place of Publication: Tokyo, Japan
- Language: Japanese
- Date of Publication: 1947
- Introduction by: Stella Li
Dansu [Dance] comprises three issues published in Tokyo between March and October 1947. Issued by Butō Kenkyūkai [Dance Research Group] and published by Kindai-sha, the first issue contains 50 pages, while the second and third issues contains 32 pages each. The editorial office was headed by Mori Kigai 森軌外. In his editorial to the inaugural issue, Mori notes that the founding of the journal was supported by the Tōkyō Kyabarē Renmei [Tokyo Cabaret Association]. His editorial in the final issue brings up publication delays caused by “controversies” in the printing industry, likely referencing the 1947 labor crisis in Japan involving a general strike.
The journal features commentary and educational articles on social dance, dance music, and nightlife culture in postwar Tokyo. A regular column titled “Dansu kyōshitsu” [Dance Classroom], is aimed at beginners, providing instruction in basic dance steps, background knowledge, and social dance etiquette. Each issue is richly illustrated, with portraits of dance hostesses and comics depicting scenes of nightlife and social dancing in Japan during this time. Additional content includes dance diagrams and short romantic fictions.
Music-related content in the first issue includes a conversation on swing between songwriter Hattori Ryōichi and film producer Motegi Ryōji, Motegi’s review of post-1945 dance music records, and jazz critic Nogawa Kōbun’s introduction to the jazz band. In the second issue, Motegi’s reflections on jazz and modernity offer particular insight. In the third issue, jazz critic Noguchi Hisamitsu discusses the relationship between dance and music.
Of special interest are the censorship records attached to the publication. In the first issue, a passage associating dance hostesses to the Occupation Army was ordered to be removed.
This RIPM Index was produced from copies of the journal held by the Gordon W. Prange Collection at the University of Maryland, College Park.