Kabuki, the traditional theatre

A traditional form of Japanese theatre art played by men with costumes of vivid color.

A traditional form of Japanese theatre art played by men with costumes of vivid color.

A woman named Izumo-no-okuni was a popular dancer who first performed kabuki in 1598. Kabuki comes from kabukimono, or outlandish mem, dressed in kimono with extremely vivid colours. Izumo-no-okuni adopted this fashion and created a dance performing as a kabukimono.

These dance performed mainly by women were banned later by the government as many of the dancers were also prostitues. Since then, boys and later men played kabuki, including roles of women.

A movement started in Meiji Era to make this popluar folk art into a theatre arts for the upperclass and foreign dignitaries. In 1891, the best kabuki actors of the time performed in front of the emperor. Kabuki was acknowledged as a high form of art by the society since then.

Handpicked links

History of Kabuki-za

History of Kabuki-za, by the official homepage of Kabuki-za.

Official website of Kabuki-za Theatre in Ginza

The most famous kabuki theatre in Ginza. Check schedules and rates.