How I Became a Sword Fight Choreographer - Samurai Performer Kume

I joined the sword-fighting group “KATANAYA ICHI” in 2012, appearing in many productions that feature sword fighting.

On stage, I often perform as a skilled kirareyaku—an actor who specializes in being cut down during fight scenes, performing with precision and expression.

How I Started Tate

Tate is a Japanese sword fighting performance.

In my early twenties, I attended a film school. Most students wanted to be directors, producers, or work behind the scenes, so there weren’t many people who wanted to perform. As a result, I often ended up acting. While pretending to be an actor, I started to think, “Being an actor seems pretty great.”

Then, when I was 26, a friend from film school passed away. When we gathered to remember him, someone asked me, “Kume-chan, what are you up to these days?” Without thinking, I blurted out, “I’m an actor!”—a complete lie. Then they asked, “Oh, really? Are you interested in Tate?” I had no idea what Tate was, but I instinctively said, “Yeah, I’m interested!”—another lie. That’s how I was introduced to Mizuno Dai.

I went to see Mizuno’s stage performance right away. It was incredibly cool, and I had a gut feeling that Tate was something I could get passionate about. When I joined the practice sessions, I found them exciting. Action itself was fun, and learning the techniques was even more thrilling.

After that, I joined the En Theatre Research Institute and attended weekly Tate workshops, gradually becoming more and more immersed in it. That was when I was 26. I started in 2012, so I’ve now been doing Tate for over ten years. I’m still learning, but I want to continue spreading the beauty and technique of Tate.