Mariko Watabe
Master of Traditional Japanese Performing Arts
Los Angeles, CA | Lower East Side and Brooklyn, New York | Carrollton, Texas
Biography
Born and trained in Japan, Mariko Watabe stands as one of the foremost experts in theatrical Kabuki style music and dance in the United States. As an accredited master and teacher, she holds prestigious credentials across multiple traditional Japanese performing arts including shamisen, vocal performance, hayashi (hand drums, taiko), and dance.
Professionally, she is known by her established stage names across different disciplines:
- Kimisen Katada (Hayashi)
- Kyosho Yamato (Yamatogaku)
- Kichitoji Kineya (Nagauta)
- Marifuji Bando (Dance)
Career & Contributions
Since 1974, Mariko has dedicated herself to introducing Kabuki dance and music to American audiences nationwide. Her extensive work includes performances, lectures, and demonstrations at educational institutions throughout the United States.
Current Work
After residing in Chicago and New York, Mariko relocated to California in 2012 where she established the non-profit organization “Fuji Japanese Music.” She currently maintains an active teaching practice across three locations:
- Gardena, California
- New York City
- Texas
Mariko regularly performs alongside her students and collaborates with fellow Nagauta and Yamatogaku musicians. She continues her artistic development through frequent trips to Japan for advanced training and performances.
Yamatogaku – Yamato Kyosho 大和杏笙
Certificate of Natori for Yamatogaku from the headmaster, Yamato O-sho in 2017.
Hayashi– Katada Kimisen 堅田喜巳扇
Certificate of Natori for Hayashi from the headmaster, Kisaku Katada in 2007.
NAGAUTA – Kineya Kichitoji 杵屋吉藤次
長唄名取免状
長唄師範免状
DANCE – Bando Marifuji 坂東麻里ふじ
坂東流名取師範免状
Education & Teaching Background
Mariko Watabe holds a Master of Science in Education with specialization in Waldorf Education (Elementary School) from Sunbridge College, University of the State of New York.
Her teaching career includes positions at Waldorf Schools in both Chicago and New York, where she taught kindergarten and elementary school students.
Translation Work
Mariko has made significant contributions to educational literature through her Japanese translation of “Beyond the Rainbow Bridge” by Barbara Patterson. This translation has been published by Gakuyo Shobo in Tokyo, Japan, making this important Waldorf educational resource accessible to Japanese-speaking educators and parents.
