Is the Freedom to Dance Under Threat?

We discussed the "dance regulations" under the Entertainment Business Act, which have led to crackdowns and arrests primarily in nightclubs in the Kansai region since last year, and are now spreading nationwide. We interviewed Kazuo Nakamura, a lawyer and one of the initiators of the 'Let's Dance Signature Promotion Committee,' which is campaigning for "dance" to be recognized as freedom of expression and culture, and to be removed from the scope of regulations.



REVIEW | TRACK LIST
01. Bobby McFerrin | Dance With Me (Elektra)
02. Universal Robot Band | Dance and Shake Your Tambourine (Red Greg)
03. The Funkees | Dancing Time (P-Vine)
04. Atmosfear | Dancing In Outer Space - Lunar Mix Part 1 By Masters At Work (Disorient)
05. Bill Withers | Lovely Night For Dancing (Columbia)
06. Jazzanova | Dance The Dance - Atjazz Remix (Sonar Kollektiv)
07. Irene Reid | Moon Dance (Polydor)

"It's Wrong to Regulate Dancing"

MatsuuraThe activities of the Let's Dance Signature Promotion Committee began with a press conference on May 29th. The goal is to gather 100,000 signatures. You've stated, "It's wrong to regulate dancing." Could you elaborate on that?

NakamuraActually, I was a candidate in the Kyoto mayoral election in February. In January, when I held meetings at clubs, I heard that regulations were becoming extremely strict and that it was becoming very difficult to get permission to dance. I thought that was quite wrong. Kyoto, in particular, should value youth culture, yet dancing is increasingly being regulated, which seems incorrect. I studied the issue further. It turns out that the Entertainment Business Act has long included provisions that classify dancing itself as an activity subject to regulation. I believe this is outdated. It's inconceivable that young people dancing would disrupt public morals, yet these regulations are used to restrict clubs and scenes, making it impossible for them to operate. I called for a movement to change the law, and after preparation, the signature campaign began on May 29th.

MatsuuraThe part of the Entertainment Business Act that regulates dancing was established decades ago. It wasn't so much about music, but rather related to activities like prostitution...

NakamuraThe law itself dates back to 1948. At that time, dancing was considered a hotbed for prostitution, so regulations were put in place to control dancing as a commercial activity. I believe they were thinking of dances like the cheek dance, not the hip-hop dancing we see today.

Some forms of dance are now mandatory in junior high school curricula. Why the discrepancy?

MatsuuraAlthough the law has been revised several times, why has the aspect concerning dance remained unchanged since 1948?

NakamuraI'm not entirely sure. Ballroom dancing, for instance, has become recognized as a healthy activity with dedicated studios. Influenced by the popularity of the movie 'Shall We Dance?', ballroom dancing was deemed wholesome and exempted from regulations. However, this only applies to ballroom dancing; styles like hip-hop are still subject to restrictions.

MatsuuraIt seems contradictory that dance is now a mandatory subject in junior high schools, alongside martial arts, yet it's regulated by law. That must be a significant point in your argument.

NakamuraStarting this April, dance became a mandatory subject in junior high schools. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology promotes dance as a healthy sport, alongside activities like judo. Therefore, it's illogical that dancing as a commercial activity is subject to regulation.

MatsuuraI'm not very familiar with the Entertainment Business Act myself. Before you started this campaign, my understanding was that the current regulations under the act primarily concerned "operating hour restrictions," revised in 1984, requiring businesses to close by midnight or 1 AM. Is that correct?

NakamuraThere are various laws concerning regulations. For example, singing karaoke is not subject to regulation. However, the Entertainment Business Act specifically targets dancing itself as an activity to be regulated.

MatsuuraIt sounds like singing is acceptable, but dancing is not. Is that an accurate perception?

NakamuraWithin the law, dancing has been associated with impropriety. The term 'dance club' evokes different images for people in their 50s and 60s compared to those in their 30s. For hip-hop and rock dancing, the image is of individuals dancing and gathering together. However, older generations might associate it with men dancing with women in upscale clubs. This difference in perception, which has persisted for a long time, is a significant background factor.

"Clubs Were Places to Discover Music and Learn About Life"

MatsuuraSo, to clarify, the revision you and others are seeking from the Entertainment Business Act is not about "hours," but solely about removing the regulations on dancing itself?

NakamuraWe don't believe it's appropriate for minors to be present until 2 or 3 AM; that requires separate regulations. If there are issues with stimulant drugs, those must be addressed. The vast majority of clubs are places where young people gather simply to dance in a healthy environment. They shouldn't be lumped together. We are saying, let's stop regulating dancing itself. We are not advocating for underage individuals to stay out late or for illegal activities to be permitted.

MatsuuraFor me personally, clubs were places where I encountered music and learned about life. It was because of clubs that I chose a career in music and was able to travel the world with it. They were places that opened doors for me, and I want to convey that to others. The fact that your activities have sparked interest in this issue among many people is very significant. I understand you are working towards a first phase by the end of August and a second phase by the end of the year.

NakamuraThere are many events during the summer, and we are discussing submitting a petition to the Diet with the signatures we collect.

If There's Misunderstanding About Clubs, They Must Be Improved

MatsuuraCould you share your ideal vision of a club, from an adult's perspective?

NakamuraWe must address complaints from nearby residents regarding noise. If there are prejudices, they must be corrected. Regulations should only target specific purposes, and it's problematic to regulate dancing itself. However, if there are issues with drugs, we do not want those involved in such activities to join our movement. Many renowned artists have expressed their support. These artists, even those famous worldwide today, weren't always so. They were nurtured in small clubs and scenes, and it's this appreciation for those spaces that fosters cultural change and creates opportunities for artists to thrive. They are urging us not to let this culture disappear.

MatsuuraOver 20 years ago, I found it intimidating—just adults, playing music I'd never heard. But learning within that environment was significant. In my professional capacity, I've seen how clubs have implemented thorough ID checks. Regarding noise issues, staff members politely ask patrons to be quiet and engage with local residents. Through these cumulative efforts, clubs have come to be discussed as a cultural phenomenon. Therefore, being targeted solely for dancing feels incongruous. I want to continue this dialogue with you. I believe we will have opportunities to speak again in the future.

NakamuraWe believe it's necessary not only to reform the laws but also to establish clubs as legitimate cultural spaces.

MatsuuraDJs are now more recognized, but in the 90s, the general attitude was often dismissive, like "Oh, just a DJ?" I experienced many unpleasant moments then. That's precisely why I felt a strong need to do things properly. I hope that this initiative will lead more people to engage in discussions about clubs in various contexts, and that clubs will be recognized as a cultural entity. I will continue to support this cause. Thank you for your time today.

NakamuraThank you.

Kazuo Nakamura | NAKAMURA Kazuo
Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1954. Lawyer. Active primarily in administrative and labor issues, including the Minamata disease lawsuit in Kyoto.
Author of "21st Century Lawyer Theory" (Yuhikaku, co-authored) and "How to Eliminate 'Non-Regular' Employment" (Shin Nippon Publishing, co-authored), among others.
http://neo-city.jp

Let's Dance Signature Promotion Committee
A group that began a signature campaign on May 29th of this year to remove "dance" from the scope of regulations under the Entertainment Business Act. They are working towards legal reform, aiming to collect 100,000 signatures nationwide for their petition. Detailed information on their activities, online signatures, and petition downloads can be found on the website below.
http://www.letsdance.jp/