Mohiniyattam is a complete art form, says Japanese artiste Hiromi Maruhashi

Hiromi Maruhashi
| Photo Credit: Athira M

Hiromi Maruhashi’s face lights up as we sit down to talk about Mohiniyattam. The classical dance form of Kerala has been integral to her life for over three decades now. Every year she comes down to the State to brush up on her lessons, learn new productions and teaches interested dancers back home.

She is all set to return home after a 10-day intensive workshop under danseuse Neena Prasad. Hiromi recalls that it was her quest to learn traditional dance forms that led her to Mohiniyattam. “I was into contemporary dance and happened to read about Kerala’s dance forms. I started with learning Nangiarkoothu from Margi Sathi. But I couldn’t stage it in Japan because it was not possible to procure the mizhavu (copper drum used as the accompanying percussion instrument). Sathi teacher suggested that I learn Mohiniyattam and introduced me to Kalamandalam Leelamma,” says Hiromi.

Although she joined Kerala Kalamandalam, she dropped out after a few months and took private lessons from Leelamma teacher. “After Leelamma teacher’s demise, I took lessons from various teachers each time I came down to Kerala. Except during the pandemic, I travelled to the State every year for Mohiniyattam lessons. I realised that not all teachers are devoted to the dance form. For some it is like running a business.”

Hiromi observes that Neena’s workshop has been a different experience. “We were taken through the basics of Mohiniyattam. It was refreshing and I felt like a beginner. We learnt various songs and gained a lot of academic knowledge.”

She considers Mohiniyattam a “complete art from. I like the movement, expressions, the narratives…”

Besides teaching Mohiniyattam, Hiromi takes yoga classes in Japan and works with the government on different health programmes for senior citizens. “This includes exercise and diet. There are sessions to improve their intellectual growth as well.”

Hiromi has also acted in the Malayalam move, Nottam (2005). “That happened because of Sathi teacher. Her husband had been electrocuted during the shoot and she was devastated. I was among those who egged her to face the camera again. She agreed on the condition that I take her to the location. So I came down from Japan for this. Eventually I got a small role as well.”

Talking about her proficiency in speaking, reading and writing Malayalam, Hiromi says that she started learning Malayalam while studying Nangiarkoothu. “It improved once I started coming here every year. I am even called to the immigration office in Japan for translation work. The police has also sought my help.”

Her association with Kerala has been so deep that she has learnt to cook most traditional dishes of the State. She has also written a book in Japanese on her tryst with Kerala and Indian art and culture.