Kabuki

In short

Okuni’s dance

In the late 16th century, as long wars were coming to an end, many new kinds of entertainment were born among ordinary people.

At the start of the Edo period (early 17th century), a woman called Okuni, who said she was a shrine maiden of Izumo Taisha, performed “kabuki odori”, which became hugely popular in Kyo (Kyoto).

The Agency for Cultural Affairs says kabuki is thought to have begun with the performances led by Okuni in Kyoto in 1603.

Why men play every role

Groups of women copied Okuni’s dance, using the shamisen, a new instrument, and performed in Kyoto, Edo, Osaka and other places.

It became so popular that fights among fans broke out often. The shogunate and domains then banned women from performing.

Later, kabuki performed by grown men was allowed. Today women’s roles are played by men called onnagata.

A theater of many arts

Kabuki uses traditional acting and speech, with special costumes, wigs, makeup, sets and props, stage machinery, many kinds of music, and wooden clappers, all working together as one.

It was named an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1965, and in 2008 it was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Think about it

• Q1Why do you think a new kind of show became popular just as long wars were ending?
• Q2How would a play change if all the roles were played by men?
• Q3Is there a traditional theater in your country? Who can perform in it?

There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.