This Bugaku dance is called Bato. Bugaku and Gagaku represent the ancient dance and music of China and the Far East. They date approximately to the beginning of the Common Era, with even older roots in Central Asia, Southeast Asia and India. These traditions were initially imported to Japan by the imperial court during the 7th and 8th centuries, primarily from Korea and China. Bugaku dance is so ancient that the meaning of the dance has been lost over time. Bugaku, and the musical tradition of Gagaku, are the oldest continously practiced artistic forms in dance and music.
Both this ancient music and dance have been preserved principally in Japan: in the Imperial Household, in certain Buddhists Sects and Shinto shrines, in the more recent religion of Tenrikyo and at two temples in Los Angeles. Senshin Temple is one of them – the Kinnara organization there performs both Gagaku and Bugaku. Kinnara has been part of Senshin Buddhist Temple for over 50 years. The dancer is wearing one of the masks Okayama made in the 1980s while he was a member of Kinnara.
Beginning of Bato performance, Senshin Buddhist Temple, March 2025.