Kabuki

Kabuki is one of the major forms of traditional Japanese theater. It dates from the seenteenth century. There are three basic kinds of drama in Kabuki. One deals with the lives of warriors and nobles, and another with the lives of the common people. Still another incorporates dance. Kabuki is performed on a revolving stage with a runway extending into the audience.

Music is used in Kabuki, except for certain plays, music is an essential part of Kabuki. But it might sound strange to western ears. The instruments are traditional ones- the Japanese lute or shamisen, for example. And the music is highly stylized.

Kabuki costumes are quite elaborate. The makeup is very heavy, almost mask-like. The audience can tell the character by the makeup. All female roles are played by men. The entire performance, even the speaking style, is extremely exaggerated.

Traditional Japan

Is there anything left of traditional Japan?

There certainly is. They have so many places where the past is preserved - cities like Kyoto, for example. In towns like Kanazawa and Kurashiki, you can see what feudal Japan was like. And almost everywhere there are homes, temples, and shrines that are built according to traditional Japanese styles of architecture.

What about in everyday life?

Traditional Japan is all around them - for example, in their art forms, their entertainment, their way of dressing, and their food. Japan has industrialized very rapidly. But they haven't lost their traditional Japanese culture.

What are the traditional art forms or entertainment?

The art forms would include such things as brush painting, flower arrangement, ceramics, wood-block prints, and tea ceremony. Entertainment includes theatrical performances such as Kabuki, Noh, and Bunraku. And Sumo is both entertainment and sport.