Asia Butoh Gathering 2026 Brings Movement, Culture, and Connection to Makati
- Seiji
- Jan 26
- 3 min read
Published: 7:00pm (GMT+8) January 26, 2026
Love is in the air, But knowing yourself is another way to Love
As the season of love approaches, local collective, Kapwa Movement Project is set to launch the country's first, Asia Butoh Gathering 2026 on February 6 to 8, 2026 with performances, learning sessions and cultural exchange in Makati City.
The festival marks the 70th Anniversary of Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations which highlights a long history of cultural connection while encouraging new collaborations with shared experiences.
Butoh which traces back to Japan in the late 1950's is an expressionist form of dance which is characterized by slow, controlled movements and themes that explore the body, identity, and transformation through expressing the dark themes of society. Over time, the art has expanded beyond Japan, with different artists across Asia adapting it to their own cultural and personal stories.
The three-day event is set to include the appearances of renowed Butoh practitioners from Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines to share their different approaches to Butoh, the exchanges of ideas, and explore how the art continues to grow and change across Asia.
Guests attending the 2026 Asia Butoh Gathering
Japan
Tenko Ima
Yuko Kawamoto
Kae Ishimoto
South East Asia
Sasa Cabalquinto (Philippines)
Sineenadh Keitprapai (Thailand)
Xue (Singapore)
Lee Swee Keong (Malaysia)
Ari Rudenko (Indonesia)
Sofyan Joyo Utomo (Indonesia)
East Asia
Vinci Mok (Hong Kong)
Ramoo Hong (South Korea)
Hu Chia (Taiwan)
The 2026 edition carries the theme “Moving Roots, Moving Cultures,” it reflects how Butoh as a living art form shaped by different lands, histories, and communities.
Kapwa Movement's three-day butoh festival is separated on two venues with WHYNot Manila hosting workshops, discussions, film screenings and lectures that share the insights into the origin of Butoh art and its contemporary expressions across Asia. These sessions are designed to encourage learning, reflection, and interaction among artists and audiences alike on February 6 and 7.
It's closing day on February 8 is set to feature a stage performance of Butoh at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium. The performance will reflect on themes of nature, renewal, and resilience through movement, giving the audiences a culminating activity of the festival’s artistic vision.
The stage theme 'Falling Earth, Moving Sky" reflects the increase in environmental, political, and natural circumstances that makes us lose reason, and that it aims to promote positive thinking and clear reflection in seeing contemporary issues.
By hosting the festival in Manila, it introduces the art of Butoh across the Philippine audiences while strengthening the connections between local and international artists. The event adds to the growing number of contemporary arts gatherings taking place in the country.
Attendees are able to attend Butoh workshops for free on February 6 and 7.
Event Schedule;
February 6, 2026 (Friday - WhyNot Manila)
1:00–5:00 PM
Roundtable Conversations on Butoh in Asia (Hybrid - Free)
7:00–9:30 PM
Butoh Workshop by Yuko Kawamoto (On-Site - Free / Limited Slots)
February 7, 2026 (Saturday - WhyNot Manila)
1:00–5:00 PM
Film Screening and Documenting Archives: Japanese Butoh to Asia (On-Site - Free)
Featured film: Darkness Princess Bamboo
7:00–9:00 PM
Butoh Fu Online Lecture by Kae Ishimoto (Hybrid - Free)
February 8, 2026 (Sunday - Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC)
3:00–5:00 PM
Afternoon Performance: Falling Earth (On-site - Ticketed)
7:00–9:00 PM
Evening Performance: Moving Sky (On-site - Ticketed)
It's final day which is set to occur at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium is open to attendees with tickets available on their Facebook page, costing;
Regular Rates:
Regular: ₱1,000
Student/PWD: ₱800
Early Bird Rates (Available until January 31):
Regular: ₱800
Student/PWD: ₱600
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