Act Two is more sedate—although no less enjoyable—as the spirit of Yumeta’s grandmother (Hanakabe Grandmother, danced by Llon Kawai) appears to join the dancers onstage. 

Un Yamada, director and founder of the company, first wrote out the idea as a play. In addition to direction and choreography, she also wrote the lyrics for all the original songs, composed by Satoru Wono.

The set, designed by the Cabin Company, deserves special note for its clever stagecraft and set changes, adding another layer of whimsy throughout. Even as the lights dim and Yumeta sleeps once again to end, the bed shifts into a banana, a final comedic twist to finish the day with laughter. 

Thriving contemporary dance companies are rare in Japan, especially one with so much international experience. Before the pandemic slowed their travels, Co. Un Yamada performed overseas regularly in a variety of tours from Spain to Helinski to Beijing with their more avant-garde works, like the long-running “One Piece” or more recently, “The Seven Deadly Sins.” 

After watching “Obachetta” it's easy to see why: it’s a company that cleverly combines entertainment with the profound.