Street performers often use their artistic talents, such as singing, dancing, or doing circus tricks, to attract an audience and earn tips to make a living. However, many street performers in Japan are true artists, publicly recognized and respected. They also often appear at various festivals and special events. One of the most legendary street performers is Gilyak Amazaki from Hokkaido. Besides him, there are also many other beloved names. Let’s take a closer look and discover who they are!
Gilyak Amagasaki
Gilyak Amagasaki, known as Katsumi Amagasaki, is one of Japan’s most iconic and respected street performers. Born in 1930 in Hakodate, Hokkaido, he has mesmerized people for decades with his expressive, soulful dances. He chose the name “Gilyak” because he looked like the Gilyak people living in Sakhalin, Russia. Today, in his 90s, he performs in public spaces, drawing crowds with his energy, emotion, and devotion to dance.
Amagasaki dreamed of becoming a movie star and moved to Tokyo at age 21, but his strong accent held him back. He turned to creative dance, took on odd jobs, and eventually found joy and freedom in street performance. His first big street performance came in 1968. From then on, he was known for his powerful “demon dance”, which amazed people in Japan and other countries.
One of the most touching parts of Amagasaki’s story is how he turned his performances into prayers. After the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, he performed a tearful dance at the ruins of a market in Kobe. People watching joined their hands in prayer. From that moment, his dances became softer, more spiritual, and full of deep meaning.
Moreover, he also danced in New York after 9/11 and in the disaster areas of the 2011 tsunami in Japan, always offering peace and remembrance through movement. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2016, Amagasaki didn’t stop. With the help of his assistant, he began performing in a wheelchair. He stood up with all his might during some dances and let his spirit shine.
Akkey
Akkey is a lively and gifted magician from Hokkaido who brings joy and surprise wherever he goes. As a high school student, Akkey performed yearly at over 20 parties and events. After working in Tokyo, he returned home to Hokkaido, where he now amazes people at festivals, restaurants, company parties, and special events.
What makes Akkey truly special is how many types of magic he can do. From close-up tricks with cards and coins to big, dazzling illusions with supercars, Akkey can do it. He once did a 90-minute solo show packed with surprises that wowed the audience. With nearly 1,000 types of magic in his collection, there’s something special for everyone to enjoy! Akkey’s fun storytelling and quick hands make his show exciting and easy for people of all ages to watch. He’s also one of Hokkaido’s most requested street performers, with many people repeatedly inviting him.
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Keita
Keita is a cheerful and skillful street performer who has performed at festivals, markets, and special events in Japan, especially in Hokkaido. He won a street performance contest in 2015 and continues to charm audiences with his stylish moves and inviting personality. He first fell in love with performing when he discovered the hyper yo-yo as a student.
Because he practiced constantly and got so good that he won many contests and joined Bandai’s official team. Later, Keita became curious about other juggling styles. But everything changed when he saw a street performer in Sapporo. The happy faces of the crowd touched his heart so deeply that he felt inspired to become a full-time performer.
Pluto
Pluto is a charming twin performer duo comprising older brother Yuto and younger brother Daiki. They formed their circus team in 2012 after being inspired by a circus they saw for the first time. Ever since, they’ve practiced together and created their own colorful, exciting shows. Based mainly in Sapporo, they travel across Hokkaido performing at schools, kindergartens, theme parks, and festivals, bringing happiness and fun to children.
Their act combines circus tricks, juggling, magic, balloons, and silly comedy. The pair performs as cheerful twin clowns, a unique sight in Hokkaido. Yuto is also a balloon artist and creates incredible balloon decorations for weddings and events. Overall, their bright costumes and perfectly timed jokes make every show special. People love them for their circus skills and the warm, friendly way they connect with the audience. Together, the twins bring a fresh and joyful energy wherever they go!
Shigure
Shigure is a talented juggling artist who performs at shopping centers, town festivals, and weddings. He’s the first person from Hokkaido to win an international diabolo award. He’s also won many performance battles and has received special licenses from Tokyo to perform in public spaces. That made him one of the few artists allowed to do street shows in Hokkaido!
His shows are magical and full of surprises. He can make crystal balls float in his hands like they’re alive. Shigure can also juggle balls high into the air with perfect control. Sometimes, he balances long objects with ease, too.
One of his most exciting acts is the diabolo! He spins it super fast on a string using two sticks, and it flies and dances like magic! His tricks are always creative and graceful, and he talks with the audience in a fun and engaging way.
Why are these Hokkaido street performers significant?
Street performers like these add joy and creativity to ordinary moments. Through their unique talents, they connect with audiences of all ages and inspire excitement, curiosity, and warmth. Each performance becomes a small celebration that brings people together, even for a few minutes.
In Hokkaido and beyond, artists like Gilyak Amagasaki help shape how people experience art and entertainment daily. Their presence turns simple public spaces into places filled with wonder and smiles. Have you ever seen a street performance that strongly impressed you? Tell me about it in the comments!
Cited Sources
- Nippon.com. “Gilyak Amagasaki: Street Performer in a Wheelchair“.
- Hokkaido Performer. “Akkey“.
- Hokkaido Performer. “Keita“.
- Hokkaido Performer. “Shigure“.
- Hokkaido Perfomer. “Pluto“.
