.png?width=290&height=58&name=Frame%207%20(2).png "Frame 7 (2)")
🕓 2023/12/28
＃文化
Detailed Explanation of Kabuki's History and Experience
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Table of Contents
- 1. What is Kabuki
- 2. The History of Kabuki
- 3. Kabuki Props
- 4. Types of Kabuki
- 5. Places to Experience and Feel Kabuki
Introduction
Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese theater, known for its unique staging, costumes, and methods of expression. This article deeply explores everything from the basics of Kabuki to its allure, and places where it can be experienced.
1. What is Kabuki
Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theater form, characterized by rich colors, dramatic makeup, and splendid costumes.
It originated around 1603 and was initially performed by women, but later became a male-only theater form.
Kabuki is known for its combination of singing (song), dancing (dance), and skill (technique). On stage, actors use exaggerated gestures and a unique vocal style to narrate stories. The repertoire ranges from classical samurai stories to modern social dramas.
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Additionally, the stagecraft and props are unique, featuring rapid scene changes and revolving stages. Today, it is highly regarded worldwide as a symbol of Japanese culture.
2. The History of Kabuki
Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theater that began in 1603 in Kyoto, started by Izumo no Okuni, and originated from complicated dances like Kabuki dance.
It evolved through the Edo period, transitioning from female Kabuki to young men's Kabuki, and then to male Kabuki.
Characterized by flamboyant costumes, exaggerated makeup, and stylized movements, it continues to be loved as a unique art form that merges the three elements of song, dance, and skill.
In 1965, it was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, received UNESCO's Proclamation of Masterpieces in 2005, and was listed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, gaining international recognition.
3. Kabuki Props
Special props are essential on the Kabuki stage to enhance the visual appeal and vividly portray stories.
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Revolving Stage：
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The central part of the stage is circular and rotates, changing scenes while carrying sets and actors. Actors can continue performing even while the stage is rotating. -
Trapdoors (Seri)：
A mechanism in the stage floor that moves up and down, used to make actors and large props appear. There are four types: large Seri, pine Seri, bamboo Seri, and plum Seri, each creating various effects. -
Hanamichi (Flower Path)：
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A pathway extending from the stage into the audience, used for major character entrances and exits. Depending on the play, it can also represent rivers, seas, or the sky. -
Kurogo (Black Curtain) and Yuka (Stage Floor)：
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The black curtain located stage left is used for music and sound effects during performances. On the other side, the stage floor features narrative music like Joruri, enhancing the stage with beautiful Shamisen accompaniment. -
Gandō Turn (Scene Change Mechanism)：
Part of the stage set-up that falls backward, revealing the background for the next scene. It flips the entire set 90 degrees, smoothly transitioning to the next scene and surprising the audience.
4. Types of Kabuki
There are two main categories of Kabuki: "Jidaimono" (period pieces) and "Sewamono" (domestic dramas), each with different themes and styles.
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・Sewamono：
Over time, these genres evolved. In the Meiji era, Jidaimono became "Katsureki" (living history) plays based on historical and period research, but they often failed to gain public support.
Conversely, Sewamono introduced new Meiji-era customs in "Chirakizome" (spreading dye) plays. Additionally, playwrights emerged, establishing a group of works known as "New Kabuki"._%20Show%20a%20scene%20with%20female%20perfo.png?width=511&height=292&name=DALL%C2%B7E%202023-12-27%2008.42.22%20-%20A%20composite%20image%20illustrating%20the%20evolution%20of%20Kabuki%20theater%20through%20the%20Edo%20period_%201.%20Womens%20Kabuki%20(Onna%20Kabuki)_%20Show%20a%20scene%20with%20female%20perfo.png)
5. Places to Experience and Feel Kabuki
There are many theaters in Japan where Kabuki can be watched, especially the famous Kabuki-za in Tokyo and Minami-za in Kyoto. These theaters offer valuable experiences in conveying traditional Kabuki to the modern era.
1、Kabuki-za (Tokyo, Ginza)：
- Opened in 1889, this traditional theater is dedicated to Kabuki performances.
- Not only Kabuki but various other performances are held here.
- After earthquakes and wars, the current building is the fifth iteration.
- Address: 4-12-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Official Website: www.kabuki-za.co.jp
2、Shinbashi Enbujo (Tokyo, Shinbashi)：
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- Opened in 1925, this theater in Tokyo's Shinbashi area hosts not only Kabuki but also Super Kabuki and concerts.
- Address: 6-18-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Official Website: www.shochiku.co.jp
3、Asakusa Public Hall (Tokyo, Asakusa)：
- This public hall hosts Kabuki, gardening events, concerts, and comedy shows.
- New Year's Kabuki is held at the beginning of each year.
- Address: 1-38-6 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Official Website:：asakusa-koukaidou.net