Established in 2006, Namstrops is a creative dance company originating from Miyazaki University's Dance Studies Laboratory, deeply committed to exploring the concept of "reverse thinking." The company's guiding principle, "Creating new value by thinking about things in reverse," is reflected even in their name—"Namstrops," derived by reversing the Japanese word "Sportsman." In 2008, they established the art-focused non-profit organization MIYAZAKI C-DANCE CENTER.
Namstrops was a finalist in the Yokohama Dance Collection in 2008, 2011, and 2012. The company has showcased its dance performances and projects internationally in 17 countries and 45 cities, including notable appearances at the Sibiu International Theatre Festival and other venues across Asia, the United States, Estonia, Romania, Germany, and Croatia. They also engage in experimental artistic activities, such as exhibiting their unique concept of "Taiiku (the philosophy of cultivating the body)" at contemporary art museums throughout Japan, including Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa.
In addition to performances, Namstrops conducts workshops in "SOUSAKU-DANCE," a method based on the experience of aesthetic and creative movement, tackling open-ended group tasks. Workshops cater to participants ranging from children to seniors. Recently, aligning with the philosophy of Namstrops Inc., a venture originating from Miyazaki University (CEO: Rumiko Takahashi), they actively provide training programs aimed at enhancing mental and physical well-being for corporations, organizations, and educators. All members hold advanced teaching certifications.
Their primary base is the Transparent Gymnasium Kirakira / Miyazaki International Children's and Youth Theatre (CandY), a dynamic facility functioning as a playground for children during the day and transforming into a contemporary dance theater during evenings and holidays. It serves as a cultural platform connecting the local community with global artistic endeavors.
Namstrops' commitment to fostering an inclusive society through the arts, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has earned them the Kids Design Award consecutively for eight years (Kids Design Association Chairmans Award in 2018 and 2023; Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award in 2019). In 2023, they launched the "Sky is Vast! Miyazaki International Dance Festival." In 2024, they received the Japan Foundation Global Citizen Award.
Member Toyofuku was selected for the Agency for Cultural Affairs' Emerging Artists Overseas Training Program in 2014, conducting research in Sibiu, Romania. Namstrops has published the e-book "Uso to Tsupos: Sports Become Art When Not Competitive" (2021).

namstrops
- Contact person :
- Akifumi Toyofuku(豊福彬文)
- Position :
- Choreographer & Dancer & Researcher
- Link :
- http://www.odosupo.com
Last update : 27 May. 2025