Explaining the history and charm of Japan's traditional performing art Kabuki
Kabuki is one of Japan's representative traditional performing arts.
It has its own unique culture and history, with gorgeous costumes, flashy make-up, and performances passed down from generation to generation.
Many innovations have been made to entertain customers, such as emotional and heart-pounding stories and powerful performances, and over the course of its long history, it has evolved by incorporating the best aspects of each era.
History of Kabuki
Kabuki is said to have its origins in a dance started in Kyoto by a woman named “Izumo no Okuni” about 400 years ago. The origin of the name Kabuki comes from the “Kabukimono”, people who appeared in the early Edo period and behaved in unusual ways with their unusual hairstyles and clothes.
Kabuki was originally performed by women, but it was banned by the Edo shogunate at the time because it disrupted public morals.
As a result, modern-day Kabuki was born, in which adult men performed both male and female roles.
Explaining the charm of Kabuki!
Kabuki has long entertained people as a traditional culture, but what exactly is its charm?
Below, we will explain the charm of Kabuki that even Japanese people do not know.
Approximately 400 types of programs
Kabuki boasts a long history and culture, and around 400 plays are still performed today.
It can be broadly divided into two types, the first being “jidaimono” and the second being “seimono.”
Historical stories are based on history and events that took place before the Edo period, and sekemono stories are based on the love affairs of common people during the Edo period.
Impressive! Exaggerated and unique acting
One of the characteristics and charms of Kabuki is the exaggerated expression of emotion in order to entertain the audience.
When a scene becomes exciting and the characters are expressing their heightened emotions, the audience's attention is focused using the act “Mie”.
It is one of the Kabuki expressions that is very famous among Japanese people, and is characterized by many powerful performances such as “Nirami”.
It's not just flashy! Makeup with meaning
The flashy makeup in Kabuki is called “kumadori.” It's not just flashy, it's a way to visually express the character's personality and emotions, deepening the meaning of the story.
Red represents justice and feelings of passion and anger, blue represents evil people and jealousy, and brown represents non-human beings such as monsters and spirit animals, and each color has different characteristics.
Kumadori is one of the important elements for the audience to understand the performance.
All performed live! Rich and powerful stage music
The stage music that plays during the play is actually performed live to match the story and the actors' performances.
It is said that there are over 800 types of songs, and the background music played by several types of instruments such as flutes, drums, and shamisen adds even more power and realism to the program.
Where can I watch Kabuki?
Kabuki-za is a famous place to watch Kabuki. There are many performances held throughout the year, and you are sure to find something that will captivate your heart. Osaka Shochikuza is famous in Kansai, and many works are performed here as well.
Kabukiza Official Website
Osaka Shochikuza official website
https://www.shochiku.co.jp/play/theater/shochikuza/
Kabuki official comprehensive website
This site compiles performance information for Kabuki works.
summary
Kabuki is a comprehensive art that incorporates many Japanese traditions, from Japanese dance to Kyogen, shamisen, flute, and drums. Kabuki is a traditional performing art that Japan is proud of, and it still fascinates many people today, so if you have the chance, why not take a look at it when you visit Japan?
Japan Rakugo | History and charms