I’m an “Office Lady”

Aoi Amasaki, a 27-year-old dancer, has emerged as a prominent figure in the world of Odoriko — a traditional Japanese striptease art. In just three years, she has become a key player in preserving this delicate yet powerful performance tradition, which faces a precarious future with only a handful of theaters still active across Japan.

Aoi’s journey began during her university years, where she studied psychology. Struggling with the trauma of harassment, she found solace and inspiration in the performances of Odoriko. “Watching these dancers gave me a sense of joy and strength. They embody determination for me,” she recalls. What started as fascination quickly became a calling, and Aoi decided to join this artistic world, fully embracing the challenges and stigmas that came with it.

Since her debut at the Dotonbori Theater in Shibuya, Aoi has captivated audiences nationwide, carrying the legacy of this vanishing art form. With each performance, she not only reclaims her own narrative but also redefines the art of striptease as a celebration of autonomy and empowerment.

Despite facing societal stereotypes — with her work often dismissed as "sexual in nature" and undervalued — Aoi navigates these challenges with pragmatism. She sometimes introduces herself as an "office worker" to avoid unwelcome judgments, shedding light on the complexity of being an Odoriko in a conservative society.

These dancers, traveling from stage to stage with their costumes slung over their shoulders, represent more than a dying tradition. They are torchbearers of resilience, pushing back against societal constraints while bringing their artistry to life in an increasingly digitalized world.

Set against the backdrop of the last remaining striptease theaters, this work captures the aspirations and struggles of a new generation of performers who challenge perceptions of entertainment, femininity, and self-expression. Aoi’s story is one of strength and transformation, a testament to the enduring power of art to heal and inspire.