MIYABI (Masako Satou)

🪔 About

Masako Satou, known by her stage name MIYABI, is a distinguished Kathak dancer, choreographer, and teacher based in Tokyo, Japan. She began her journey in Indian classical dance in 1995, studying Kathak in New Delhi under the tutelage of Smt. Malti Shyam. In 1996, she enrolled in the National Institute of Kathak Dance (Kathak Kendra), where she further honed her skills in the Lucknow style with Pt. Jaikishan Maharaj and, from 1997, under the direct guidance of the legendary Padmavibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj. Her dedication to the art form earned her an ICCR Scholarship from 1999 to 2003, enabling her to pursue intensive training at Kalashram with Pt. Birju Maharaj. She completed the Kathak Specialization (Post-Diploma) Course in 2004 and the Stage Presentation Course in 2005. Upon returning to Japan in 2005, Masako Satou established the MIYABI KATHAK DANCE ACADEMY in Tokyo in 2006, opening her own studio in Kojimachi in 2008. Through her academy, she imparts the Kalka-Bindadin gharana, Lucknow style of Kathak, to Japanese and international students. She has performed extensively across India, Japan, and internationally, including in Mauritius, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, China (Shanghai Expo), France, Taiwan, and the USA. Notably, she received critical acclaim for her role as the Nurse in the Kathak ballet "Romeo & Juliet," choreographed by Vidushi Saswati Sen in 2002-2003. Masako Satou is also a lecturer of Indian dance at Toyo University and a member of the Shinjuku Artist Society. In recognition of her profound contributions to Indian classical arts, she was honored with the Bharat Mitra Samman (ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award) in 2023. Awards & Honours: Bharat Mitra Samman (ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award) (2023).