Hanayagi Ryu is one of the 5 main Nihonbuyo schools and the largest school in Japan with more than 20,000 students.  Founded in 1848 by Nishikawa Yoshijiro, who left Nishikawa-ryu after the sudden death of his teacher Nishikawa Senzo IV following a succession dispute.

In April 1848, he appeared on stage under the name Hanayagi Yoshijiro for the first time and subsequently changed his name to Hanayagi Jusuke. 

There are various opinions on how the name Hanayagi was originated.  The prevailing theory was that Yoshijiro had been raised in the Yoshiwara area since young and that after leaving Nishikawa-ryu he had been actively teaching the Geishas of Yoshiwara, and to that effect the name Hanayagi was formed.  The main person behind the name change was Tamaya Sansaburo who was giving Yohijiro full support after his departure from Nishikawa ryu.

Today, Hanayagi ryu is headed by Hanayagi Jusuke IV.