Kusemai

Kusemai (曲舞, くせまい)　is a dance-like art form originating from medieval Japan (roughly, the Kamakura and Muromachi Periods). It was particularly popular during Japan’s Nanboku Period (CE1336-1392) up through the end of the rest of the Muromachi Period (CE 1336-1573). Kusemai is sometimes simply characterized as a Japanese form of song and dance with a strong irregular beat - emphasis is placed on the beat at the expense of the melody.