Fujima Ryu of Chicago is a Japanese Classical Dance program that has been a primary cultural representative/herald in the Japanese American community in Chicago for the past 40 years. Credence to the attainment of such an iconic position must be acknowledged to the forerunners in the Chicago-land community. Immediately following WWII, the Japanese cultural identity in the Midwest was in danger of becoming mere reflections of an individual’s experience, with no coalescing attributes for the collective community. The establishment of the various Buddhist Temples in Chicago provided not only a sheltered sanctuary for the Japanese American community to honor and continue the traditions’ of their founding members, but as the landscape of cultural and racial identity shifted, it also served as a solidifying factor towards establishing a foundation for the Japanese American community to rediscover and protect their cultural heritage and identity. The diaspora of Japanese culture in the Midwest was bastioned by individuals such as Joyce Kubose (tea ceremony), and Wakayagi Shiyu (classical dance). And continues with Fujima Shunojo and the ongoing legacy of Fujima Ryu of Chicago, with Japanese Classical Dance. The perpetuation of the legacy is precisely defined by collaborating with purely traditional cultural groups, such as Tsukasa Taiko, which allows for the core aesthetic to be incorporated into revitalized productions of Japanese cultural performance. The performance aesthetics revolve around a classical,or neo-classical foundation,which is proxied by the music,and the style of costuming.The trademark innovation among the eclectic offerings is the hikinuki,it is a quick change of costume that demonstrates its biggest impact when performed on stage,during the performance.The acknowledgement of such a performance reputation attests to Fujima Ryu of Chicago’s contribution to the cultural awareness that has infused in to the JapaneseAmerican Community through various educational outreach,and community performances.

Fujima Shunojo

Founder Fujima Shunojo (藤間 秀之丞, Jan. 13, 1942 – April 6, 2024) began his classical dance career early, later founding his own school in Tokyo before moving to the United States. He led the Shubukai dance group in Chicago for 47 years, mentoring 13 dancers to professional names and three grandmasters, and was widely recognized for advancing Japanese culture in the U.S.

Awards include:

·      2002 Japanese American Service Committee Certificate of Appreciation

·      2005 City of Miami & Kagoshima Sister City Certificate of Appreciation

·      2011 Japan America Society of Chicago Cultural Achievement Award

·      2013 Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation Award

·      2018 State of Illinois Community Service Award

·      2021 Asian American Coalition of Chicago Exemplary Community Service Award

Fujima Ikunojo

Fujima Ikunojo 藤間 郁之丞 is a Japanese American, trained by Fujima Shunojo. She holds a natori, professional name and shihan teaching license, and has been a key member of Shubukai for over 40 years.  Grandmaster Ikunojo participates in community performances, assists in workshops, and is one of the coordinators for the annual student recital of the Shubukai dance troupe. She also has participated in continued training with Yoshinojo in Japan.

Yoshinojo Fujima (藤間 淑之丞) is a shin-nisei, part of the postwar Japanese American diaspora, recognized as an interdisciplinary performing artist, choreographer, and both Natori and Grandmaster in the Fujima style of Japanese classical dance. Her performances have been featured at distinguished venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chicago Cultural Center, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and through community and educational outreach initiatives. She actively participates as a member of Asian Improv aRts Midwest and currently serves as Program Director for Shubukai.  Yoshinojo continues to advance her traditional arts practice—training and performing in Japan, teaching classes and workshops, and participating in civic, cultural, collegiate, and festival events throughout Chicago and the Midwest.

Her artistic projects consistently integrate contemporary perspectives with themes of identity and tradition. In 2017, she was honored with the 3Arts Make a Wave award and selected as Links Hall Artistic Associate Curatorial Resident, where she launched the Beyond the Box series supporting female performers. Additional distinctions include: Chicago Dancemakers Forum Lab Artist (2017), High Concept Labs Resident (Spring 2018), Fellow (2020–2022), CoMission Fellow at Links Hall (2023), and 3Arts Awardee for Dance (2023). She has also received the Illinois Arts Council Ethnic Folk Arts Grant as ‘Master’ in both 2023 and 2024. Her body of work merges traditional aesthetics with modern music, movement practices, and interdisciplinary collaborations, ensuring the continual relevance of dance within the context of 21st-century roles and identities.