As more dance pieces were created and performed as part of the kabuki theatre, Schools of Nihonbuyo were created, each developing their own style when dance began to develop into an independent art form during the 17th Century,

Today there are about more than 200 Japanese dance Ryu-ha (schools), with 5 mainstream schools listed below in chronology of it’s establishment :

NISHIKAWA-RYU （西川流)

Founded during the Genroku era (1688 - 1704) in the year 1700 by Nishikawa Senzo II. Nishikawa-ryu has a history of more than 300 years and has now reached 10th generation. Founder of Nishikawa-ryu  Nishikawa Senzo II was a student of Nishikawa Senzo I who was originally a Noh musician and moved over to Kabuki Theatre and subsequently became a kabuki dance choreographer. 

Currently the head of school is Nishikawa Senzo X.

FUJIMA-RYU (藤間流）

Founded in 1704 by Fujima Kanbei I.

Fujima-ryu carried on with Iemoto’s names as Fujima Kanbei till the third generation under Fujima Kanbei III.  It was later divided up between 2 families one under Iemoto Fujima Kanemon and another by Soke Fujima Kanjuro

BANDO RYU (坂東流)

Founded in 1804 by a Kabuki actor Bando Mitsugoro III.  Bando-ryu has been more active in the Kabuki theatre and Kabuki buyo. 

Current head of school is Bando Mitsugoro X.

HANAYAGI RYU (花柳流）

Founded in April 1848 by Hanayagi Yoshijiro I who subsequently changed his name to Hanayagi Jusuke (花柳壽助) in Sep 1848.  Later he changed the characters of his name to Hanayagi Jusuke (花柳壽輔) in 1860.

Hanayagi Jusuke I was the top disciple of Nishikawa Senso IV and had performed, acted and choreographed for many years under Nishikawa ryu under the name Nishikawa Yoshijiro.  He had been heavily involved in all projects undertaken by Nishikawa Senzo IV.  After the death of Nishikawa Senso IV, Yoshijiro left Nishikawa school and started the Hanayagi-ryu with the full backing of some high ranking officials.

More details about Hanayagi Ryu and the Founder in the next pages.

Current head of school is Hanayagi Jusuke IV.

WAKAYAGI RYU (若柳流)

Founded by Wakayagi Judo I in 1893 who was the student of Hanayagi Jusuke I and held the name Hanayagi Wakamatsu.  Upon leaving the Hanayagi-ryu he changed his name to Wakayagi Judo and started his own ryu-ha under Wakayagi ryu. 

It is tradition that the head of the school always has the same name with the generation number behind the name.  However, with Wakayagi ryu, the 2nd and 5th head held the name Wakayagi Kichizoh while the founder, 3rd and 4th head held the name Wakayagi Judo.

Current head of school is Wakayagi Kichizoh II, son of Wakayagi Judoh III who holds the position of guardian to Wakayagi Kichizoh II.